The 25th anniversary of the Tour de Rock officially kicked off at Tillicum Elementary School.
In September, these 21 riders will participate in the island’s largest fundraiser.
“This is the Tour de Rock team!”
The tour started in 1998, with the idea of raising money for pediatric cancer research, and Camp Goodtimes.
Since then, the Tour’s raised more than $27 million dollars, with almost 1,000 children going to camp.
Simon Douthwaite is an alumni rider with the tour, and works for the Canadian Cancer Society.
He said they are aiming high after two years of partial tours.
“The goal is to re-energize get that commitment back. we’re targeting just under a million dollars, $850,000 is our target this year. We’re just thrilled to have 21 new riders, and to bring the energy back into our communities after COVID.”
This year’s Inspiration Rider is 13-year-old Lily Lecinana.
As a 10-year-old, she spent more than eight months in Children’s Hospital battling an aggressive form of cancer.
Even then she inspired the other children.
“Since I had cancer, all I wanted to do is help little kids. even adult kids, I guess. just help them get through there fast. Everyone started asking me. And I just love doing what I do.”
Lily’s mom Meredith said she couldn’t be prouder.
“She’s gone through a lot. And I didn’t know what the outcome was going to be at the end. But we’re so thankful that she’s here, and help others get through it.”
One of this year’s 21 riders is the school’s principal, Jeff Duyndam.
“This island is going to step up, as it always does. And having the tour go from Port Alice all the way down to Victoria, I think people are excited to get behind something like this.”
The riders will spend the spring and summer training, and the Tour kicks off its 1,200-kilometre journey from Sept. 24 to Oct. 7.
Donations can be made at tourderock.ca.
Mary Griffin
