9th Annual Kelly Brush Ride Set for Sept. 6 - Benefits Adaptive Athletes, Ski Racing Safety
Burlington, Vermont (PRWEB) June 03, 2014 -- The ninth annual Kelly Brush Century Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is set for Saturday, Sept. 6 in Middlebury, Vt. The ride, Vermont's largest fundraising ride, draws hundreds who spin in support of the Kelly Brush Foundation's mission to conquer the challenges of paralysis through love of sport and improve ski racing safety.
Last year's ride drew more than 750 riders. The event is also the region's largest for adaptive athletes using handcycles, with more than two dozen participants taking part annually.
In the nine years since the Kelly Brush Century Ride started, participants have raised nearly $1.5 million. That support has enabled the foundation to purchase nearly 100 pieces of adaptive athletic gear for those living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and more than 400 miles of safety netting for ski racing and training courses, improving safety and preventing injury.
“The incredible dedication and support from riders, volunteers and sponsors over the years has made it possible for the foundation to improve the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injury and to raise the bar when it comes to ski racing safety,” said Kelly Brush Foundation President Zeke Davisson. “While the foundation has accomplished a tremendous amount in just under a decade, there is still so much more to do. Our main fundraising event, the Kelly Brush Ride is key to meeting our mission.”
The foundation's multifaceted mission encompasses:
--Improving the quality of life for individuals living with SCI by purchasing adaptive athletic equipment for those with financial limitations;
--Advocating for improving ski racing safety;
--Supporting research to treat and cure paralysis due to traumatic SCI.
Participants in the Kelly Brush Century Ride enjoy gently rolling terrain and lake views over several distance options: 25, 50 or 100 miles, with options to ride 65 or 85 miles. Riders and teams of riders compete to raise the most money with prizes for reaching fundraising milestones. The ride ends with a celebratory post-ride party and barbecue.
The ride was started by the Middlebury College Ski Team as a way to buy an adaptive mono-ski for team member Kelly Brush Davisson, who was paralyzed as the result of a ski racing crash. Brush and her family later founded a nonprofit, and the ride was opened to the public.
Registration is online at: http://www.kellybrushfoundation.org. The Kelly Brush Century Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is made possible thanks to the generosity of many participants, volunteers and sponsors including: title sponsor VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, along with top sponsors Shearer Audi and Sugarbush Resort and many others.
About the foundation: The Kelly Brush Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving ski racing safety, enhancing the quality of life for those with spinal cord injury (SCI) through providing adaptive sports equipment and advancing scientific research on SCI. The foundation has raised nearly $1.5 million and assisted in procuring over 400 miles of safety netting and other safety equipment for ski racing organizations as well as launched a successful public awareness campaign about ski racing safety. The foundation has also purchased nearly 100 pieces of adaptive equipment for paralyzed individuals, getting them back into the sports they love. Kelly Brush Davisson, together with her family, started the foundation in 2006 after she sustained a severe spinal cord injury while racing in NCAA Div. 1 competition as a member of the Middlebury College Ski Team in Vermont. The Kelly Brush Foundation affirms Kelly’s ongoing commitment to live life on her own terms and better the lives of others living with SCI. http://www.kellybrushfoundation.org
About VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations: Founded in 1971 by a Middlebury College professor, VBT offers deluxe, small group bicycling, walking and cross-country skiing tours worldwide, including destinations in Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, Argentina, Canada and the U.S.A. Each trip includes all accommodations, many meals, two expert local Trip Leaders, unique sightseeing and cultural activities, and full vehicle support. Unlike other companies, VBT also includes international airfare in its trip cost. http://www.vbt.com.
IMAGE CAPTION: Kelly Brush Davisson leads the start of the 2013 Kelly Brush Century Ride powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations in Middlebury, Vt. Now in its ninth year, the ride has raised nearly $1.5 million for adaptive athletes and ski racing safety.
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Betsy Cabrera, Kelly Brush Foundation, http://www.kellybrushfoundation.org, +1 (802) 497-4909, [email protected]
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