CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Clinic's has moved its seventh annual VeloSano "Bike to Cure" weekend to a virtual platform, the hospital announced in a press release.
While the decision's primary purpose, the Clinic said, is to protect public safety, the Clinic is confident that the online format will allow for more global fundraising and participation.
“Cancer doesn’t stop for COVID-19, Taussig Cancer Institute chairman Brian Bolwell said in the release. "It’s more vital than ever that we collaborate to support our patients. While we won’t be physically together this summer, we look forward to virtually engaging with the VeloSano community across the world and are grateful for their generosity."
This year's event will start with a live-streamed event on July 17, prior to the simulated starting line event the following day.
In order to get involved, anyone can join an existing team, registering as a "Rider" or a Virtual Fundraiser, set their goal, then track their own activity. You can also join the VeloSano Strava Club in the Stava app to share your progress, or share it with the hashtag #VirtualVeloSano. Fundraising minimums have also been waived to encourage even more participation.
"A big benefit to going virtual is that VeloSano instantly became more inclusive and accessible," VeloSano founder Stewart Kohl said in a press release. "We’re excited to share that anyone can unite around the common goal of ending cancer in fun and meaningful ways."
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