U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic
Press:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:February 28, 2008
Contact: Danielle Piacente
Danielle@lindarothpr.com
703.417.2702
USAF Cycling Classic to Benefit Our Wounded Warriors Who Suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury
Arlington Sports Designates The Raisin Hope Foundation as the Beneficiary of the Inaugural Event
(Arlington, VA) – Arlington Sports, Inc., the promoting organization for the United States Air Force Cycling Classic, is proud to announce that this new event to be held in Crystal City on May 4, 2008 will help members of the United States military who have sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) during their service to our country. Funds raised at the race will go to the Raisin Hope Foundation, established to help individuals who have suffered TBI by providing critical funds for research and medical care facilities.
The Raisin Hope Foundation was founded by professional cyclist Saul Raisin, who suffered from TBI following a racing accident in France in 2006. Saul’s remarkable recovery from his injuries inspired him to begin this effort to help others with similar injuries. “If I ever ride a bicycle again, I want to help people like me,” Saul told his family while still recovering in the hospital. He has inspired others through his extraordinary return to competitive cycling and a book sharing his amazing story, Tour de Life: From Coma to Competition.
“Many of our country’s military members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury. As a premier athlete who also suffered from TBI but has recovered from his injuries, Saul Raisin is an inspiration. I am very pleased that he is associated with the Air Force Cycling Classic," said the Honorable William Anderson. "We are excited by Saul's commitment to support military members and their families who have been affected by TBI, and look forward to participating with him at this event.
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Saul is committed to supporting the United States Air Force in the month’s leading up to this event and beyond to determine how his foundation can best assist those members of the military who have suffered from TBI.
Cycling enthusiast of all abilities will be able to participate in the Crystal Ride event to be held Sunday, May 4, 2008 and support this great cause. Beginning and ending at the US Air Force Memorial, participants will be able to ride on a 12 1/2 kilometer circuit in and around Crystal City that will challenge them for 100km. Professional teams will follow the ride, including a separate Service Academy race.
Registration for the amateur participatory ride is now open through the events website: http://www.USAirForceCyclingClassic.com. Active duty and reserve military personnel receive a $10 discount.
About the Crystal City Business Improvement District: Established in April of 2006, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is creating a soul for Crystal City. A public-private partnership, the BID is providing a higher level of service to visitors, workers and residents in Crystal City “ driving to become world-class destination in both Arlington and the greater DC region. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.
Arlington Sports, Inc is a Virginia based 501(c)3 non-profit, dedicated to the promotion and development of professional and amateur bike racing. For additional information on the US Air Force Cycling Classic and other ASI events, please visit www.arlingtonsports.org.
