One of the Season’s Last Charity Bike Rides in Massachusetts to Take Place August 29

July 8, 2009 - PRLog -- Special Olympics Massachusetts , a leader in providing healthy lifestyles and healthcare-related programs through sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, announced their  Ride with Champions http://ridewiththechampions.org/ cycling fundraising event will return to the Topsfield Fairgrounds for the fifth consecutive year, on Saturday, August 29, 2009.  The event is managed by Conventures.

The charity cycling event meant to raise funds for Special Olympics Massachusetts is open to all levels including corporate teams and individuals and will include three cycling options; a 12-Mile Family Fun Ride, a 22-Mile course and a 62-Mile Metric Century Ride, all fully supported.  Many Special Olympics athletes as well are training hard to participate.  The Ride with the Champions route will once again guide cyclists and their supporters throughout the scenic North Shore. With summer fading fast, the ride will serve as the last ride of the summer for many cyclists.  

“Now more than ever, we need people to grab their bikes, raise some money and become a fan of Special Olympics,” said Robert Johnson, president & CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts. “Special Olympics impacts the lives of hundreds of athletes and others through a unique focus on health and fitness, healthy habits, access to professional healthcare services as well as respect and dignity. Our athletes need the public’s support now to preserve vital programs.”

What to Expect on Saturday, August 29: Ride with the Champions, Topsfield Fairgrounds, MA
6:00 a.m.   Registration Opens
8:00 a.m.   62-Mile Metric Century Ride begins
10:00 a.m.   22-Mile Course and Family Fun Ride begin
11:00 a.m.   Post-Race Celebration begins
12:00 p.m.    Closing Ceremonies and Awards Presentation

Get Involved: Register Online for Ride with the Champions
For more information on Ride with the Champions, go to http://ridewiththechampions.org/ or call 1-888-
767-RACE.  Participants can enter as individuals or as a team.  Individual registration is $25.00.  The $25 registration fee will be charged immediately and will count towards your fundraising minimum of $350.  Your credit card will be debited the difference only if you do not meet the $350 fundraising minimum by the October 31st deadline. Don’t have a bike but still want to ride?  SOMA is teaming up with Urban Adventours to provide on-site bike rentals for all ages. Bikes must be reserved in advance.

All proceeds from Ride with the Champions will help fund uniforms, equipment, year-round training, competition costs and more for local Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes.  Through sports training and competition, and the increased exposure to quality healthcare screenings and professionals, individuals with intellectual disabilities are living healthy, vibrant lives by their association with Special Olympics.

About Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA)
Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) provides year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programming for over 10,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. Through the power of sport, our movement transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and unites everyone by fostering a sense of community and building a civil society.  For more information visit: www.SpecialOlympicsMA.org.