April 24/14 13:32 pm - Canadian Olympians Bike for Rare Disease

Posted by Editoress on 04/24/14
 

On Saturday, May 31st, the iBellieve Foundation will be hosting its inaugural Bike 4 MPS II Charity ride in Dundas, Ontario. The Foundation is honoured to have former Olympian and World Champion Hurdler, Perdita Felicien, and former Olympian and World Champion Rower Jane Thornton, participating in the ride. All funds raised will go towards researching a cure for MPS II (Hunter Syndrome).

"As a future physician, I understand the importance of this project that we must advocate for more research and understanding for MPSII and other rare diseases; and we are making progress," says Jane Thornton. "It is an honour and privilege to be involved in the Bike 4 MPS II Charity ride, and I hope it's just the beginning."

The community of Dundas has also demonstrated strong support of the event. Both Domestique Café and Cumbrae's have signed on as partners and have been valuable resources.

Simon Ibell, founder of the iBellieve Foundation, is an MPS II patient, and started his journey to find a cure with a bike ride across Vancouver Island twelve years ago. His perseverance and passion for sport has endured, and the time was right to organize a new bike ride in the Toronto area.

"The first bike ride down in 2002 was an incredible experience and also the hardest thing I ever endured physically. It felt right to organize another ride and I am happy to bring Bike 4 MPS II Charity Ride to beautiful Dundas as we work towards a cure for MPS II." says Ibell.

Participants in the Bike 4 MPS II Charity Ride will have two route options. The shorter, novice route will have rest stops that also contain facts about MPS II, while the longer, advanced route will feature several fun challenges that riders can choose to take part in for prizes.

The minimum donation fee is $100. Participants who raise $500 by May 1st will receive an iBellieve Cycling Jersey. After the ride a BBQ lunch will be held with live entertainment, lunch, and the grand prize giveaway of a Krypton 2014 ($2500 value) generously donated by Argon 18.

Riders can learn more and register at www.bike4mpsii.com.