October 23/08 1:41 am - Ride To Conquer Cancer Expands to Major Cities Across Canada

Posted by Editor on 10/23/08
 

Ride To Conquer Cancer Expands to Major Cities Across Canada

With files from the Ride to Conquer Cancer

Yesterday, the Ride to Conquer Cancer fundraising organization held a press conference in Toronto to announce the expansion of it's successful extraordinarily successful inaugural 2008 Ride To Conquer Cancer in Toronto - Photos. The cycling fundraiser has now expanded to include three more of Canada's most appealing locations. Host cities of this extraordinary event now include Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.

On hand for the Toronto launch were Steve Bauer, and Chinyere Eni, who spoke at the National launch in Toronto yesterday. Ms Eni is one of the more inspiring participants from 2008. She is an amputee, who lost her left leg to cancer as a young girl. She participated in last year's inaugural event in Toronto - and rode must of the 200 kms on a specially designed "adult tricycle". She has agreed to do the Ride again this year.

The Ride To Conquer Cancer is an epic cycling event to raise money for research and ultimately, to conquer cancer in our lifetime. On the basis of current incidence rates, almost 40% of Canadian women and almost 45% of Canadian men will develop cancer during their lifetimes, so this pan-Canadian event is rightly viewed as a call to action.

The Toronto Ride To Conquer Cancer, now entering its second year, begins the morning of Saturday, June 12, 2009 and ends in scenic Niagara Falls the following day. Riders in British Columbia will travel from Vancouver to Seattle June 20-21, with money raised benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation. The Alberta edition, benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation leaves from Calgary on June 27 and the route go along the Rocky Mountains, finishing on the 28th. From July 11 to 12, riders will pedal from Montreal to Quebec City to benefit The Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital Foundation.

Premier Gordon Campbell of British Columbia urged people to register for this event. "Cancer affects each and every one of us whether it is a family member, a friend or a neighbour, and The Ride to Conquer Cancer is another step we can take towards providing funds for world-class research here in B.C.," said Premier Campbell. "I want to thank the BC Cancer Foundation and everyone committed to this tremendous event that is sure to raise awareness about what we can all do to fight this disease. I encourage people to register and participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer."

Paul Alofs, President & CEO of The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, was immensely pleased that the success of the inaugural Ride To Conquer Cancer in Toronto has now been shared with other Canadian cities in the battle to conquer cancer. "Being able to offer The Ride To Conquer Cancer to other major centres makes all of us at The Princess Margaret Hospital very proud. It is a big, bold event with a big, bold aim - to conquer this disease once and for all - and we are very pleased that Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal are joining Toronto in this life-changing event."

On hand at the Calgary launch event, Lori-Ann Muenzer, Canada's first Olympic gold medalist in cycling from the 2004 Olympic Games, voiced her pleasure stating, "The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a terrific concept because it's for cyclists of all abilities. While 200 kms may seem like a long way, anyone can do it with the right motivation, a bike and a helmet. I am so proud to endorse and support this event and hope that many others - even those who are not serious cyclists - will join me on this amazing ride."

Olympic silver medalist and former Tour de France leader Steve Bauer was also on hand for today's Toronto launch, and stated, "The Ride is a great thing because it is an event for everyone. While 200 km may seem like a long way to go on a bike, anyone can do it. As a bonus, participants finish their journey in Niagara Falls, one of Canada's most beautiful and famous destinations. I am pleased to endorse and support this amazing event and hope that others - even those who are not serious cyclists - will join me on June 12, 2009."

Myer Bick, President and CEO of the Jewish general Hospital Foundation, expressed his pleasure about this amazing event. "I am thrilled that we are hosting the Ride to Conquer Cancer. It is a bold event with a bold aim - to conquer this disease once and for all. We are pleased that other cities are joining the fight and that people across the country will be able to take part in this life-changing journey."

Registration for The Ride To Conquer Cancer benefiting The Campbell Family Institute at The Princess Margaret, the BC Cancer Foundation, the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital is now open. Call 877-699-BIKE or visit www.conquercancer.ca to sign-up today!