Andrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One of Tasmania's oldest community fundraising rides, the Western Tiers Cycle Challenge, will be run again on Sunday 30 March. It will be the 9th running of this event, which is jointly organised by the Rotary Club of Youngtown and the New Horizons Club. The original ride organisers were local legend John O'May, Chris Westlake and Belinda Kitto.

The Western Tiers Cycle Challenge allows participants to choose from six rides, ranging from 24km to 170km. It weaves its way through a number of towns and villages under the Western Tiers in the beautiful Meander Valley near Launceston. The majority of funds raised support activities of the New Horizons Club, a not-for-profit organisation in northern Tasmania that does wonderful work. It helps people living with disability compete in a range of sports at their own level and display their own unique skills and abilities.

This year the organisers expect over 500 entrants to participate, with all entry fees donated to charity. Since its inception, this event has raised more than $100,000 to support the activities of the New Horizons Club and Rotary.

Congratulations to the organisers, particularly the indestructible John O'May for his strength through adversity and amazing generosity of spirit. I wish him and the other organisers well for a successful event on 30 March.