Cyclists with Journey of Hope are on a trans-continental ride that includes stops across the nation.
The participants are completing a 4,350-mile event across the country. This group of cyclists and crew members are one of three Journey of Hope teams riding to raise money that will directly enhance the lives of thousands of people with disabilities through grant funding and community engagement.
The Journey of Hope team made it to the Midwest on July 8, visiting Garden City, Kan. before their next stop in Dodge City. The route took them to Pratt and then Wichita on Friday, July 12. This weekend sees them make it to Emporia, then Topeka and then Olathe and the Kansas City metro on July 15 and 16.
In Missouri, the route takes them through Sedalia on July 17, Columbia on the 18th, Union on the 19th and then they leave the Show-Me-State after stops in St. Louis on July 20 and 21.
Staff and residents of the Kansas Neurological Institute (KNI) are excited for the stop and will greet the team at an arrival ceremony.
“We are thrilled these cyclists have chosen to visit KNI again as part of their cross-country journey. Their dedicated efforts to raise awareness and spread a message of acceptance and understanding for people with disabilities is laudable and very much appreciated,” said KNI Superintendent Brent Widick.
KNI, one of two state hospitals that care for individuals with developmental disabilities, is administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).
Journey of Hope cyclists believe time spent with organizations such as KNI are impactful because they help break down barriers and highlight the abilities of all people. The Journey of Hope team consists of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity men from across the country. The team will cycle an average of 75 miles per day eventually ending their tour at the National Capitol in Washington, D.C., August 10. Every cyclist commits to raising a minimum of $5,500 on behalf of people with disabilities to enhance their quality of life.
The Ability Experience organizes Journey of Hope and two other large service projects each summer and is the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi. Founded in 1977, the Ability Experience is committed to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. Combined with corporate sponsorships, the 2019 Journey of Hope will raise more than $600,000 for people with disabilities across the nation. The Ability Experience has raised more than $16 million in its 42-year history.
The Ability Experience is a national nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities through educational programs, awareness raising events and donations of specially designed equipment and recreational environments.
Visit http://www.abilityexperience.org/ to access video, photos and learn more about Journey of Hope and the other Ability Experience summer events.