Cycling: Cycling with an Italian spin comes to Toronto!

Friday, May 19, 2006 - 08:33 PM

On May 28, 2006 Villa Charities will host the first-ever Giro Toronto, a 75 km fundraising bicycle ride with an Italian twist. Inspired by the legendary cycling event, Il Giro d’Italia, the ride has a boot-shaped route and will tour well-known neighbourhoods throughout Toronto.

Unlike its European counterparts, Giro T.O. will not be a competitive race; the purpose of the ride will be to raise funds for Villa Charities, while promoting safe, urban cycling as part of an active and healthy lifestyle. With a ride that tours areas from Lake Ontario up to Steeles Avenue, riders will have the opportunity to cycle through many of the unique neighbourhoods and environments that make Toronto diverse.

Edward Sorbara, a Villa Charities Foundation board member and generous sponsor of the Giro T.O. is excited and optimistic about the GIRO. “The Giro is not only a great reason to celebrate our city’s vibrant bicycle culture, but also an opportunity for Torontonians to become familiar with the rich Italian-Canadian heritage that surrounds them and in turn, learn of the important work Villa Charities carries out.”

In order to highlight various aspects of Italian-Canadian heritage, the route will feature multiple rest stops hosted by various Italian organizations and restaurants. There is a $500 fundraising minimum to ride, however, beyond supporting a worthy cause, every rider will have a chance to win a Vespa LX 50 ($4,800 value). In addition, as a nod to the Giro d'Italia tradition, the top Giro T.O. fundraiser will have the honour of wearing the 'pink jersey' on ride day.

All proceeds from the Giro T.O. will go to Villa Charities Foundation – a charitable organization that provides support for Villa Colombo Services for Seniors, Columbus Centre, VITA Community Living Services and Villa Colombo Vaughan.

For more information on the Giro T.O. visit www.girotoronto.com, or please call Pat Tanzola at (416) 789-7011 ext. 306