Beaver Valley 180 Bike Ride is an intense, 180-kilometre cycle event in the Oakville area to raise money for Special Olympics Ontario. Since 2008, participants have raised more than $700,000 to ensure that children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities are able to utilize sports programs and resources. “Athletes Helping Athletes” is the theme of this unique, invitation-only ride. The team at Sutton Group – Quantum Realty Inc. was pleased to contribute $1,000 and Broker Tina Gardin’s husband, Dan O’Brien, volunteered his day to provide a vital service.
Rain or shine, the bicyclists set out early in the morning for a group ride through picturesque terrain. The event took place on October 10, 2014. Dan drove a truck pulling a 30-foot trailer with supplies and the riders’ gear. This is his fifth year as a volunteer driver in the Beaver Valley 180 Bike Ride.
“I got involved to support the cause and the riders and to help keep them safe. At times, we have up to 70 riders. It’s a community effort,” notes Dan.
The spirit of the event is what compels Dan to volunteer year after year. This time, he was impressed by the send-off by neighbourhood children whose parents volunteered at the registration desk. “Then we were escorted from Oakville to Beaver Valley by the Ontario Provincial Police’s Golden Helmets. Another highlight of the day was when we pulled into Fergus for lunch and we were greeted by young Special Olympians.”
Despite the autumn weather, cyclists kicked off the event with a traditional jump in the swimming hole near the Beaver Valley Ski Club. A group dinner included meeting a Special Olympics athlete. Dan and Sutton Group – Quantum Realty Inc. are pleased to encourage aspiring Olympians through this fundraiser.
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
