2013 Torch Ride to Benefit Special Olympics
Chester’s Harley-Davidson in Mesa, Arizona is once again bringing motorcycle enthusiasts together to enjoy two of their favorite activities: riding and helping others.
The 14th Annual Chester’s Harley-Davidson Torch Ride is one of the largest police-escorted charity rides during Arizona Bike Week. The ride, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, is expected to draw nearly 1500 riders and will benefit Special Olympics Arizona.
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Special Olympics Arizona’s (SOAZ) goal is to empower the over 180,000 Arizonans with intellectual disabilities to be healthy, productive, and respected members of society through year-round sports training, competitions and support programs.
The SOAZ has grown to 10,600+ athletes, for whom sports provide a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance and joy. This would not be possible without the help of sponsors, donations, volunteers and benefits like Chester’s Harley-Davidson’s Torch Ride.
Joe Morrow (General Manager, Chester’s Harley-Davidson) says: “The Torch Ride has become one of our favorite events during Arizona Bike Week. It is a lot of fun for a great cause. We are hoping to raise a substantial amount for the athletes.”
The event kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 13, with registration and a pancake breakfast at Chester’s Harley-Davidson, 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa. The ride leaves the dealership at 10:00 a.m. and travels to Westworld in Scottsdale, where participants will be granted admission to Arizona Bike Week’s Cyclefest.
The cost is $25.00 per person for those who pre-register online before noon on Friday, April 12th, and $30 for those who sign up at the dealership on the day of the event. Participants will receive a commemorative ride pin, pancake breakfast, admission to Cyclefest and have the opportunity to meet Special Olympics Arizona athletes. All are welcome to join the festivities and show support for Special Olympics Arizona by sending off the riders.