EX QUINS PLAYERS LEAD CYCLE CHALLENGE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR FOUNDATION
Harlequins ex-players and supporters are taking on a 180mile / 300km cycle challenge to raise funds for the Harlequins Foundation, the charitable arm of the rugby club, by cycling from Sandy Park in Exeter to the Twickenham Stoop in time for the Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs match on 18 May.
The annual Rival Ride will involve around 80 cyclists and includes former players Olly Kohn, Mark Lambert, Luke Wallace and others. This year’s event will be the fifth edition of the challenge and will be aiming to raise more than the £90,000 Foundation supporters raised last year.
Mark Lambert, who played for Harlequins for 17 years and has taken part in every Rival Ride, said: “Rival Ride is a great example of the Harlequins community coming together in support of the Foundation.
“It is a challenging, fun, memorable event and offers all of us the opportunity to make some brilliant memories whilst supporting the Foundation, which is the beating heart of Harlequins. Oh, and you might see a few old boys who played a bit going really slowly up some hills in Devon!”
As well as raising vital funds that contribute towards the vital work of the Foundation, the event is a demonstration of the sense of community and power of sport to bring people together.
Olly Kohn, another regular ex-player who participates each year, said: “For me Rival Ride is a great chance to connect with some old faces. Some I’ve played rugby with, some I’ve had a beer at The Stoop with, and some I’ve struggled on a hill with during previous Rival Rides.
“Connecting with these people in this challenge is a great way to support our fantastic Foundation.”
In addition to cycling alongside Harlequins legends, riders enjoy full support throughout the ride, including rest stops, a dedicated support crew, and the now highly anticipated bespoke Rival Ride cycling jersey.
Nik Hart, Head of Fundraising and Engagement for the Harlequins Foundation, said: “It’s fantastic so many people come together to take on the annual challenge, whether former players or Quins supporters, and the sense of camaraderie over the two days of the event is wonderful.
“The funds raised make an incredible difference to the impact we have in our local communities and the support from riders, partners and donors is truly appreciated.”
Last season the Foundation generated £3.9million of social value in their focus boroughs, taking the total impact of their work over the last three years to an impressive £10.3million. Last year, for every £1 invested, the Foundation were able to generate a return of £5.38 back into the local community.
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