Calgary, Alberta – The lead VIPs for the ATB Gran Fondo Highwood Pass have been named! Olympian Shannon Rempel and Allie Jenkins Bennet will kick off the Fondo on July 9, leading the start line of athletes and riders.
The highly acclaimed ATB Gran Fondo Highwood Pass (by “TransRockies” Race Series) and Calgary-based “Branch Out” Neurological Foundation recently partnered to invest in a world free from neurological disorders. TransRockies is donating $5 to Branch Out from each registered rider at the Fondo in support of their efforts around neurological research.
Shannon Rempel, renowned speed skater for Team Canada, 2006 Olympic silver medalist and World Champion in the team pursuit from 2007 World Single Distance Championships is excited about the ride. “With both my mom and best friend suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the Branch Out Foundation hits close to home and I say yes to every opportunity to help.” said Rempel.
Joining Rempel at the start line will be Allie Jenkins Bennet on an e-trike. He is in the throws of dealing with MS and explained, “Riding the e-trike is such a freeing feeling when you often feel trapped in a body that does not function properly. I can’t wait to ride in the ATB Gran Fondo Highroad Pass in support of the Branch Out Foundation!”
“With such complex afflictions, whether post concussion, Parkinson’s, MS or Alzheimer’s, there’s a lot of work to do in understanding brain health, treatment and therapy.” explained Crystal Phillips, executive director and co-founder of the Branch Out Neurological Foundation.
Phillips helped kick off Branch Out after an episode with MS changed her life, altering the course of her career as a high performance speed skater. With sheer determination and commitment to a holistic recovery approach, her health has improved significantly. Much of her recovery was done by road biking, which is the bond between Branch Out and the ATB Gran Fondo Highwood Pass.
“The connection between sport and recovery is significant and once we heard about Branch Out we wanted to join their efforts to progress this important work.” said Aaron McConnell, President of TransRockies Race Series.
To support Branch Out Neurological Foundation, register with the TransRockies to ride this year’s ATB Gran Fondo Highwood Pass.
About
TransRockies Race Series is a North American leader in event management and logistics with a portfolio of world-class owned and managed projects. Their properties range from mountain bike events to trail running races, outdoor symphonies to gala dinners.
On July 9, 2016 ATB’s Gran Fondo Highwood Pass – a TransRockies event – will offer a rewarding challenge for the weekend warrior, hardcore roadie or triathlete in training.
Branch Out Neurological Foundation aims to prevent sickness and disability of the brain by funding qualified researchers to do what they do best – delve deeper and broader the current research to help make brains their best.
To sign up or get more info on the ATB Gran Fondo Highwood Pass, go to:http://transrockies.com/gran-fondo-highwood-pass/
To get more information on the Branch Out Neurological Foundation, go to:http://www.branchoutfoundation.com