NEWS RELEASE
TOUR DE GUELPH
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Plans are well underway for the third annual Tour de Guelph, a family-friendly bicycling event for riders of all ages and abilities.
Organizers are working hard to plan a bigger and better event, building on the success of the event’s first two years.
“One big change is that we’ve moved the date to be the fourth Sunday in June, June 26 this year. Our event was going to start to bump into the Canada Day long weekend which would be a problem for participants and volunteers. We think this will be a better fit for our community” said Co-Chair Cynthia Walker-Parks, Rotary Club of Guelph South.
Another exciting development is that Scotiabank has signed on for three years as Presenting Sponsor.
The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital’s CEO, Suzanne Bone said, “We’re so grateful to Scotiabank for making this commitment to our community. Their support provides stability that will help make our event even more successful.”
“Scotiabank is committed to making a difference in our local communities and we are honoured to support this important initiative,” said Pat Hamlyn, District Vice President, Ontario Central South, Scotiabank. “We encourage everyone to come out and join us at this family-friendly event and help make an impact for the Guelph General Hospital, the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium. Together, we can help to build stronger communities.”
Organizers have also changed the location. “The University of Guelph has been a great partner and we love having the event start and finish there. This year, we are pleased to be moving our ‘hub’ to the West Gym in the W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre. We’ve been blessed with good weather so far, but this will provide insurance against rain,” commented event co-chair Norm Litchfield, Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium.
In its first two years, more than 1,000 riders participated and $73,000 was raised (net) in support of Guelph General Hospital and more than 30 projects and organizations supported by the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium including Hospice Wellington, KidsAbility, Ghana Medical Help and the Welcome In Drop In Centre.
On Sunday June 26, participants can ride one of six routes ranging from 5k to 100k, something for everyone, including a 75k route in memory of local cycling legend George Vettor.
In addition to scenic and challenging routes, organizers are planning a great vendor fair, volunteer cheering sections, a delicious lunch…and the opportunity to make a difference in your community and further afield.
Bone says, “Our goal is to raise $60,000 this year, with 750 riders. The impact of that will be felt at the Hospital, and through Rotary’s participation, at other local organizations and international projects.”
So what are you doing June 26? Register at www.tourdeguelph.ca, pick your route, round up your friends and family, do some fundraising (great prizes for our top fundraisers) and plan to join us.
The idea for the event began three summers ago, when then 69-year-old Guelphite, Terry Manning, cycled across the United States raising money for The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital along the way.
He inspired David Parr, who sits on the Foundation’s Planned Giving Committee with Manning. With Manning’s support, Parr hatched the plan for a community-based bicycling event in Guelph.
Enter the Rotary Club of Guelph South, then the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium, and Tour de Guelph was born.
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