Ultimate amateur cycle tour launched to raise vital funds in aid of Arthritis Ireland
Dublin, 24th July 2012: Taoiseach Enda Kenny urged cyclists to gear up for the ultimate tour experience earlier today as he launched Cycle 360 in aid of Arthritis Ireland. This fun but challenging event, which is open to all, will take in some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery over a three-day, 360km route throughout three counties.
Setting out from the Osprey Hotel, Naas on Wednesday the 3rd of October to Friday the 5th of October, through the stunning flatlands of Co Kildare, Cycle 360 will wind its way through some of Wicklow’s most stunning rolling landscapes, finishing for an overnight stay and mouth watering meal in Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort. Setting out the following day scaling the heights of Mount Leinster resting overnight in the stunning Ballykealey Manor, Ballon, Co Carlow and back through all three counties, before finishing up with a party in Osprey Hotel, Naas. Cycle 360 is open to cyclists of all levels of experience and abilities and all participants will be provided with a professional training plan to prepare, a free cycling t-shirt and accommodation in some of the most comfortable hotels each location has to offer.
Launching the event, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who is a keen cyclist, said: “I am delighted to launch Cycle 360 in aid of Arthritis Ireland and I would like to wish all the cyclists taking part the very best of luck in their endeavours. Cycling has become a hugely popular activity in Ireland and this initiative is a wonderful opportunity for people to support a great cause while experiencing an authentic tour challenge.”
Arthritis Ireland CEO John Church said: “We are delighted to be supporting Cycle 360 which has been developed to give people a fun but challenging tour experience as well as raise funds to provide vital services, such as the Arthritis Ireland Helpline and the Living Well with Arthritis programme, for people with arthritis. Cycling, and exercise in general, is now regarded as an essential part of healthy living and it has been proven to be an important part of both preventing the onset and controlling the symptoms of arthritis.”
Registration for Cycle 360 costs €75 plus a commitment to raise a minimum of €675. It is also possible to enter a team of two for €1,500 or a four-person team for €2,800. Anyone interested in signing up or to find out more information, please contact Louise on (01) 6470209 or lhyland@arthritisireland.ie or visit the Arthritis Ireland website www.arthritisireland.ie.
About Arthritis:
Arthritis affects 1 in 5 people in Ireland – 915,000 people nationwide. There are over 100 different types of arthritis and these can affect people of all ages from babies and toddlers right through to those in their adult years. 60% of people with arthritis are aged under 65 years old.
About Arthritis Ireland:
Little things can make a big difference to a person with arthritis. Difficulty with the little things like making a cup of tea, getting dressed or opening the front door can all add up to have a big impact on a person’s quality of life. At Arthritis Ireland we understand this. That is why we are Ireland’s only organisation working single-mindedly to transform the experience of people living with arthritis and those who care for them. Every day, we work in communities across the country providing community based education programmes to help people effectively manage and control this devastating disease. We actively drive grassroots advocacy so that the voice of people with arthritis is heard and understood and we work with the medical community to control and cure arthritis.