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George Hood Spin for Kids
THE EVENT
Guinness World Record (GWR) holder and ultra
athlete, George E. Hood, will once again climb aboard his LeMond
Revmaster "spin" bike and pedal his way into the Guinness Book of
World Records during a continuous 8-day, 176+ hour charity
fundraiser event on behalf of the Heritage YMCA Strong Kids
Campaign.
THE MAN
George's passion for world record fundraising
feats has been an inspirational story that has changed lives.
George, a former career federal agent, recently retired from the DEA
and has put his "second career" options on hold while he commits his
time to training on behalf of the Heritage YMCA Strong Kids Campaign
and his second Guinness World Record attempt. In July 2007, George
set a GWR on the stationary spin bike of 111 hours, 11 minutes, 11
seconds. Recently, a record of 132 hours was set. Another record,
this one of 175 hours and 50 minutes was set in the last few weeks. George is
committed and prepared to break this record and hopes to raise
$50,000 during the Y "Spin for Kids" event. George's life motto is
"Set Goals, Keep Score, Break Records…anything else is just
exercise."
THE CAUSE
The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign is an annual
fundraising event that provides the necessary fee assistance for
hundreds of kids and families to receive the benefits of a YMCA
experience. In 2007, the Heritage YMCA raised $470,000 and with that
money over 14,000 kids and families experienced the life changing
power of the Y. The 2008 goal is to raise over $500,000. The Y
impacts kids and families profoundly because "it isn't a place where
you drop your kids off, it is a place where they are lifted up." The
YMCA builds strong kids, strong families, strong communities.
WHEN
Sunday, May 4 - Monday, May 12th, 2008, Ultra Marathon Event Week
WHERE
Fry Family YMCA, a branch of the Heritage YMCA Group, 2120
W. 95th St., Naperville, IL 60564,
www.heritageymca.org
WHY
Community health is a priority for the YMCA,
which is the nation's largest not-for-profit health and wellness
organization and the nation's largest organization serving youth.
The Heritage YMCA Group is an "Activate America" YMCA, and since
2006, we have been transforming the way we engage all youth, adults,
and families whose successful pursuit of health and well-being
requires continuous supportive relationships and environments. This
event is a great platform that will inspire individuals of all ages
and families to consider or continue the pursuit of leading a
healthier lifestyle and to donate to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.
The Heritage YMCA Mission - To enhance the quality of life for
families through programs reflecting Christian principles to build
healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE/YMCA HOURS OF OPERATION
Television, Radio, Print Media, YMCA members and
Community Participants, and the general public are invited to come
and cheer on George. Visitors are welcome 24 hours a day during the
event. The YMCA will observe regular facility hours for other
activities during event week. Volunteers are needed 24 hours a day
to help. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Judy
Ellertson,
jellertson@heritageymca.org or 630.904.9595 or Kathy Lewandowski
at
lieka12004@yahoo.com or 815.514.0841.
PLANNED EVENTS DURING WEEK
Opening Ceremony-
Opening ceremonies for George Hood's Guinness
World Record attempt will start at 8:30 PM on Sunday, May 4th at the
Fry Family YMCA, 2120 W. 95th Street, Naperville, IL. Tom Beerntsen,
President and CEO of the Heritage YMCA Group, Naperville's Mayor A.
George Pradel and other city officials will offer words of
encouragement and inspiration. A group prayer will be lead by Donna
Marquez from Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) & President of
Chicago Police Department Gold Star Association. The National Anthem
will be sung by the Waubonsee Valley Chamber Singers under the
direction of Ines Kurtovic.
Planned Activities-
Additional cycling classes have been added to the
event week and are open to the public. Classes are Tuesday, May 6th
at 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 9th at 12:00 Midnight, and Saturday, May
10th at 12:00 Midnight. Classes to be led by Monica Presti, a
certified spin instructor. Additional classes may be added.
Community demonstrations are on Saturday, May 10th around 1:00 p.m.
and will include a health and wellness lecture about body building,
a motivational speech by Brett Eastburn, a man with no arms or legs
who inspires individuals with passion, comedy and personal triumphs
in life and more.
Boy Scout Troop #849 will be staying overnight on Friday, May
9th. This troop includes two of George's sons who are 14 and 16
years old.
Watch the event on the internet-
A web cam will be in operation beginning at 8:30
p.m. on May 4th. To view George while he rides, go to
http://spinforkids.heritageymca.org. The log in User Name is
"view" and no password is needed. The first time you log in
you will have to allow installation of an ActiveX Control which will
be provided.
Breaking of Existing Guinness World Record of
175:50 Hours-
George expects to break the record around 5:00 a.m.,
Monday morning, May 12th and to be witnessed by the GWR
Adjudicator who will be on-site.
Closing Ceremony/Setting of New Guinness World Record-
George expects to complete his ride around 9:00 a.m. on Monday
morning, May12th with a final countdown of the clock.
Upon completion of the event, as a
precautionary measure, George intends to seek medical attention at
Edward Hospital for the purpose of replenishing fluids and obtaining
lab work for use at his post event physical with his personal
Doctor. Rest will be on the top of the list as well.
MEDIA COVERAGE/LIVE REMOTES/INTERVIEWS/PHOTOS
George Hood is available pre, during and post event for
interviews. We encourage live Television and Radio remotes and print
media coverage at the Fry Family YMCA during event week.
TO SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS OR LIVE REMOTES
Contacts:
Dee Dee McDevitt,
Heritage YMCA Group,
dmcdevitt@heritageymca.org, 630.640.0091 cell
Kathy Lewandowski,
George E. Hood Event,
Lieka12004@yahoo.com, 815.514.0841 cell
ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION/RESOURCES
Sponsorship and donation information in
conjunction with this event can be obtained by visiting
www.heritageymca.org
or
www.RideGeorgeRide.org.
Both sites contain information and updates regarding the event.
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