Kelowna Sports activities Groups Pedal the Massive Bike for Coronary heart & Stroke

Local sports teams teamed up to ride the Heart and Stroke Foundation Big Bike through downtown Kelowna on Wednesday afternoon.

The big bike weighs 1,900 lbs. Bike built for 30 people to ride at the same time to raise funds and raise awareness for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Approximately 8,000 riders from 50 BC communities will be riding the big bike this May and June.

On Wednesday afternoon, representatives from 11 different Okanagan sports teams raised $ 1,105 for the charity.

“Most of these athletes are children and it’s good to see them get involved and support a local charity. Fans support them, come to their games and buy tickets to give back to the community and to an organization like the Heart and Stroke Foundation, I think it’s great, ”said Ryan Watters, organizer of the local big bike sports team. “It’s worth it for the kids and I think it’ll open their eyes to raise funds and get involved with a charity.”

Ryan Watters (left) and his team raised $ 1,105 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation

This is the 23rd year for the Big Bike in Canada and the 60th year for the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

“We set a goal of $ 127,000 for the nine days of riding the big bike in our area and it looks like we’re going to blow that out of the water,” said Wendy Wright, the local Coordinator for special events for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Each member of the Big Bike team is responsible for collecting donations in advance. Then when they ride the big bike, they cheer as they pedal to raise awareness for the charity.

“High visibility is always the key. We want the people who ride the big bike to be applauded and thanked for their efforts, ”Wright said. “We work to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery. In the 60 years that we’ve been doing this, we’ve put $ 1.4 billion into research and we wouldn’t be anywhere without research. “

To join a team, donate, or get more information, visit the Big Bike website.

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