YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids Celebrates 10 Years

KELOWNA – From modest beginnings, YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids has emerged to become one of Kelowna’s favourite family fundraising events. This year’s 10th edition promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet.

Registration is now open for individuals, teams and families to take part in a fun 45-minute stationary cycle class and enjoy a kid zone, vendors, a silent auction, music, prizes and more.

To celebrate the event’s 10th year, the YMCA of Okanagan changed the date from September to May and is adding a fun family ride along a portion of the Mission Greenway. YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids will take place on Sunday, May 29th, 2016 outside the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre.

“Our aim is to make the event accessible and fun to a wider range of people.” said, Rhonda Zakala, GM of Marketing and Fund Development. “With the fun family ride, people from two to 92 can have some fun, raise funds and cycle to support vulnerable kids in our community.”

The event started as a way to get Kelowna companies more involved with the YMCA.
 
“Back in 2007 we had a couple of YMCA employees and volunteers round up some stationary bikes and transport them to various offices in the city where employees would cycle for an hour. In that first year we raised about $5,000. The growth of this event has been phenomenal.” said Zakala.

In 2015, YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids attracted more than 250 participants and raised $77,000. The money goes to support underprivileged children in the Okanagan. Currently one in five kids requires assistance to participate in YMCA programs such as child care or swimming lessons. The YMCA of Okanagan serves over 45,000 children, families and seniors every year in your community.

Participants who sign up for YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids before April 29th will be entered into a draw for a Specialized bicycle donated by Fresh Air.

YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids is presented by Fresh Air and Delcourt Advisory Group at Scotia Wealth Management.

Visit ymcaokanagan.ca/cycle-for-strong-kids for more details and to register today.