The Beach Cities Cycling Club of Southern California is staging a kickoff ride this Saturday, April 18, at Redondo Beach Pier, celebrating the South Bay’s efforts toward the upcoming Los Angeles Special Olympics.
Jim Hannon, founder of the Beach Cities Cycling Club, is a long-time supporter of both the Special Olympics, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and Best Buddies, founded by Eunice’s son, Anthony Kennedy Shriver. Both organizations celebrate and strive to integrate the intellectually disabled into everyday society.
The goal of the ride, Hannon says, is two-fold: To raise awareness for the mission of Best Buddies; and to celebrate the work that the Beach Cities are doing as host towns for the Special Olympians.
“The whole thing,” Hannon said, “is really about intellectually challenged people and public understanding, whether it’s Special Olympics or Best Buddies. These are significant human beings, and that they have the same needs for friendship and feeling valued that we all do.”
The day’s program is split between two focuses — the first, Hannon says, is the cycling events. Five recreational rides have been planned, with difficulties ranging from a 50-mile ride for the advanced cyclist, roaming from Redondo Beach, up the Palos Verdes Peninsula, through San Pedro and back, to a 20 mile beach cruise for casual cyclists.
After the rides are complete, riders will return to the pier for food, coffee, gifts and prizes. There, Anthony Kennedy Shriver will headline a series of speakers, which looks to include Redondo Beach Mayor Steve Aspel, as well as recognition offered for the mayors of each of the South Bay’s Special Olympics host cities, including El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Torrance. Hannon also teased that there may as well be a “special, surprise guest” in attendance.
Attendees can also count on hearing a speech from one of the Best Buddies in attendance. “I think that’s when you’ll see me cry,” Hanlon said. “It’s very moving to hear from somebody who can articulate their feelings about getting help.”
To register for the free event, and for more information, go to the club’s Eventbrite page, or to the Beach Cities Cycling Club website.
