Cyclist says CTC Bike-A-Thon ‘couldn’t be any better’

Cornwall cyclist Mary Jolly with Parminder 'Cookie' Kalsi from Kalrim Cycles & Sports, one of the sponsors of the Children's Treatment Centre Bike-A-Thon PLUS. Jolly has been a long-time cyclist in the event. (Cornwall Newswatch/Bill Kingston)

CORNWALL – Mary Jolly says it’s all about helping our future generation.

The Cornwall cyclist has been turning the crank on her bicycle for a number of years to raise money for the Children’s Treatment Centre Bike-A-Thon PLUS.

“It was just…fantastic. It was cool but, then again, the wind wasn’t too bad this morning early and there was very few people on the bike path at 7:30 a.m. It couldn’t be any better,” Jolly said.

The Holland native cycles for the sake of the children. “I think it is such a necessity (the Children’s Treatment Centre) because those children are going to be our future and we have to take care of those (children),” she said.

Jolly was part of Team Kalsi, named after Parminder “Cookie” Kalsi of Kalrim Cycles & Sports and has been part of the event since her original group of cyclists – the Jolly Riders – would make the round trip from Cornwall to Williamstown.

Cycling wasn’t the only event. People were horseback riding, jumping on motorcycles and doing Zumba, all to raise money for the center, treating children suffering from physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

The center receives no government money, relying entirely on donations. Organizers are hoping to beat last year’s fund raising total of $119,000.

Bike-A-Thon PLUS chairman Don Fairweather was pleased with the turnout Saturday morning. “I would say that we’re on par with other years. We’ve been blessed with a great day this morning with bright sunshine. We have a cast of many volunteers, booking and registering participants and organizing activities so, all in all, I’m very satisfied with the turnout,”

Fairweather said there were 11 simultaneous events…even for people seeking “modest” physical activity.

“They recognize the value that the Children’s Treatment Centre provides to those who need it – the service. The secondary part – it’s fun! There’s food…community fellowship…entertainment so we’ve tried to create that family centered atmosphere,” Fairweather said.

Participants were entertained at the river’s edge behind Saint Lawrence College by the music of The Brigadoons and the footwork of MacCulloch Dancers.

“It’s fantastic. Everybody can get involved. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you can do,” a smiling Mary Jolly remarked.

Click on a photo below to open a gallery of photographs from the CTC Bike-A-Thon PLUS event.

 

 

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