Cycle of Hope for ALS Launches Today!

Cycle of Hope for ALS

This afternoon in Victoria B.C. the organizers of the Cycle of Hope kicked-off the event campaign with the goal of raising funds to support for families dealing with ALS.  Six riders from the Greater Victoria area are set to cycle 650 kilometers throughout B.C. to raise awareness and funds for families living with ALS. The cycling adventure will begin in Kamloops August 8th and finish in Hope August 18th. The riders from Victoria are inspired by a friend who recently lost her father to the disease. “Cycle of Hope has been my way of healing from the loss of my dad from this devastating disease. My goal is to raise awareness and much needed funds to find a cure for ALS”, says Cindy Lister the rider behind the event.

The Mayor of Victoria BC,  Dean Fortin was on hand at the launch event to support the six riders in their efforts as Victoria citizens. “It’s so appropriate that we launch this event during ALS awareness month and also so inspiring when Victoria residents rise to the occasion. Cindy’s team will go far in raising much needed funds for ALS.” Paralympic athlete, David Cook, is experiencing first hand the effects of ALS. Cook, a silver medalist in sailing at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games, has been diagnosed with a form of ALS, similar to Steven Hawkins. The disease has affected his legs, arms and core muscle groups. “ALS is an illness that deteriorates the body over time but what it can’t do is take away my determination and desire to continue raising hope for other families dealing with ALS”.

The inaugural ride will become an annual event open to the public in 2013. Hope Mayor Susan Johnston is pleased to have the event finish in her town. “ We see many different groups coming through Hope over the years and we are always happy to welcome them to our fine town. As an annual event we hope to see more riders enjoying what Hope has to offer.” The six riders are holding several fundraising events and opportunities prior to their departure including an on-­‐line auction with a signed jersey from Victoria’s Ryder Hesjedal at www.gobid.com ; a family-­‐fun event at the Trek store in Victoria on July 1st and a fund-­‐raising day at JJ’s Restaurant in Brentwood Bay. Accent Inns is thrilled to be working with organizers and supporting the ride with accommodations in the Kamloops and Kelowna locations. For more details and to donate to the team and ALS Canada, visit www.cycleofhope.ca

ALS Cycle of Hope Team

For more information please contact: Trish Fougner, Foggygirl Consulting at (250) 507-­‐7817