Three dedicated teams, each including at least one cyclist living with Parkinson’s will embark on a gruelling 10,000-kilometre journey across Canada on Saturday, July 27, starting in Victoria.
The Spinning Wheels Relay to End Parkinson’s will see cyclists traverse all provinces, two territories, and touch three coasts within 60 days to raise both funds and awareness to support Canadians living with Parkinson’s disease.
Funds raised during the relay will be allocated to partner charities within each province to enhance local programs and services for Canadians affected by Parkinson’s.
A July 27 event in the parking lot of the Parkinson Wellness Projects at 2680 Blanshard St. starts at 10 a.m. with a send-off ceremony, meet-and-greet with the cyclists, snacks and more. Riders head for the ferry at 12:30 p.m.
The non-profit organization and wellness centre provides evidence-based programs and other services for the Parkinson’s community on Vancouver Island. The organization provides specific, evidence-based exercise classes for people with Parkinson’s disease and provides support groups, specialized counselling, and education programs.
“We’re thrilled to see The Spinning Wheels Relay take off,” executive director Bailey Martin said in a news release. “This relay is a testament to the strength and spirit of those living with Parkinson’s disease, and the funds raised will play a crucial role in improving the lives of many Canadians.”
The first Spinning Wheels Relay in 2022 saw Jim Redmond and Steven Iseman, two cyclists with Parkinson’s disease, embark on a three-month journey to raise awareness and funds for other people living with the neurological disorder. The team travelled over 8,000 kilometres and raised over $120,000 for many different Parkinson’s-related charities.
