Top sports athletes get behind Poverty Cycle event

Date: February 22 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE

Top sports athletes get behind Poverty Cycle event

Beijing gold medallist sailboarder, Tom Ashley and FIFA Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer have been confirmed in the starting line-up for the Auckland stage of the national TEAR Fund Poverty Cycle event, which aims to raise $500,000 for at-risk children and youth in New Zealand, and in TEAR Fund’s child projects overseas.

The national ride will see cyclists riding from Invercargill and Whangarei over 11 days and meeting on the steps of Parliament on March 4. Some cyclists will take part in various stages of the event, including rising tri-athlete star, 19-year-old Michael Poole, who is cycling the Whangarei to Auckland leg. Part of the Poverty Cycle event includes four family-friendly rides in Auckland, Christchurch, New Plymouth and Nelson on March 5.

Ashley said he was excited about taking part in the event. “The beauty of the Poverty Cycle is that those who love cycling like I do can enjoy the ride and help others at the same time. It is great that some of the funds raised are going to help local youth charities like Brothers in Arms and 24-7 Youth, as well as the work that TEAR Fund is doing for poor and disadvantaged children overseas.”

Poverty Cycle endorsers also include former All Black Michael Jones.
The riders in the Auckland stage will depart TEAR Fund’s office at 64c Stoddard Rd Mt Roskill at 8.30am on Thursday February 24, following a media breakfast at 7.30am.

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