Cyclists involved in this year's Journey of Hope ride took off in June from San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA heading towards Washington D.C. where they will dismount in August after thousands of miles traveled. Journey of Hope, created by Push America, is the largest fraternal fundraising and awareness event of its kind comprised solely of members (current and alumni) of Pi Kappa Phi from universities around the U.S. This COOL event raises money and awareness for people with disabilities.
The inaugural ride, in 1988, raised $20,000 and has now expanded to three different routes, all ending in D.C., and annually raises over $500,000. The cyclists average 75 miles a day but bike riding isn't the only way they give back. Along the way they visit local groups, in the 32 different states they pass through, that support people with disabilities, take part in a game of wheelchair basketball, educate children on the abilities of people with disabilities, and learn life lessons that remain with them long after the journey has concluded.
Brad Ray, a wheelchair athlete who hopes to make the 2012 Paralympics in London, expresses that it means a lot to have Journey of Hope raise money for their activities, "It' super important, our equipment is super expensive."
Joey Stassi, 21 and a cyclist, expresses that the summer fundraiser was the main reason he joined the fraternity, "It was the idea of riding your bike across the country and making a big difference in people's lives. The riders get as much out of their encounters with people with disabilities as they do."
Here's to you Journey of Hope cyclists-keep riding for a great cause, stay safe, stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!
For information on this COOL bike ride please visit: www.pushamerica.org
What do you think of the Journey for Hope ride and its message of acceptance and understanding for people with disabilities?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment