JULY 25, 2008
GUELPH, WALTON, ONTARIO, JULY 20, 2008 - An unlikely partnership between two contrasting groups of athletes is helping to raise the awareness of breast cancer survival and wellness.
Back by popular demand, dragon boaters and motocross riders are coordinating a second-ever Motos for Moms: Living Life after Breast Cancer. Motos for Moms is a team and individual endurance ride Sept. 27 at Huron County's Walton track, the most popular outdoor motocross track in Canada, and home of the Walton TransCan Grand National Championship race.
The occasion will directly benefit the BreastStrokes Dragon Boat Racing team of Guelph, Ontario, and their outreach programs. The breast cancer survivor team's goal is to train and participate in activities to promote the value of total fitness and upper body strength. This helps survivors cope with rehabilitation and life during and after breast cancer diagnosis. Breaststrokes is a registered Canadian charity.
Walton track owners, Judy and Chris Lee are once again donating their world-class facilities. Two Wheel Motorsport in Guelph, as well as a number of other organizations, are working with BreastStrokes to make the event a success. As Chris Lee is also a cancer survivor, this event is important for him to show that wellness is a possibility after a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Motos for Moms Chairperson, Beverlie Nelson of the BreastStrokes team said her son Graeme, a motocross rider since the age of 12 suggested this unique collaboration. "It seemed clear that other riders also have women in their lives who may be affected by breast cancer. Riders will tackle one of the most challenging tracks in Canada to help us reach our goals, " she says.
Surprisingly, dragon boaters and motocross riders share other requirements, adds Nelson. Both need upper body strength and conditioning, and must adapt to the ever-changing outdoor conditions.
Nelson and Chris Lee say they expect 100 four-person teams and 100 individual "iron-man" riders to register for the endurance ride. Each team or individual rider is committed to ride four hours. "It will be an exciting day for everyone," says Lee. "People will be giving their personal best to help others."
Teams and individuals will be invited to register on-line at: www.motosformoms.ca.
Registration is $125 per person.
By obtaining sponsorships for the ride, individuals will be eligible for top prizes. A Kawasaki KLX110 off-road bike will be presented to the rider obtaining the highest dollar amount of pledges.
About 50 women are members of BreastStrokes Dragon Boat Team, which practices at Guelph Lake and trains at the University of Guelph. Each dragon boat comprises 20 paddlers, a steersperson and a drummer. BreastStrokes Dragon Boat Team was formed in 1998, by individuals who wished to provide support to others living with the disease and a chance to prove there is a full life after cancer.
Visit www.breaststrokes.org for more information.



















