Greg LeMond to take to Clare’s roads this July

THREE-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond will join cyclists and walkers from a range of Mid-West businesses in the fifth running of the BDO Get BACk Challenge on Saturday, July 3.
The event will raise funds for sports participation among socially disadvantaged children using sports activity as the first step in heightening awareness of the issues of childhood obesity. Hospices across the Mid-West Region and Special Olympics will also benefit from the 100km cycle which has raised over €700,000 in the past four years. 
At the announcement of the Get BACk Challenge cycle, Brian McGann explained, “It is a great honour to welcome a sporting legend of the status of Greg LeMond back to Limerick for this event. He has become a fantastic supporter of the Get BACk Challenge and his generosity with his time helps make the event so memorable for all who take part in it.”
As part of his visit, Greg LeMond will also launch a number of childhood obesity awareness initiatives for the Mid-West. It is estimated that over 300,000 children in Ireland as classified as obese. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has warned Irish people to act now to avoid a massive increase in the number of cancer cases with cancer closely linked to obesity. Research shows that up to 40% of cancers could be prevented through a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
The Get BACk Challenge started in 2006 as a Business Against Cancer initiative based on supporting programmes that promotes activity as the starting point for creating awareness of the effects of childhood obesity. Among the programmes supported by the event include sports and activity programmes in schools and clubs in socially disadvantaged communities and sports programmes for disability groups.
An audit conducted by Local Sports Partnership indicated that almost 7,000 children have directly benefited from the programmes and grants as a result of the event. A recent nutrition seminar organised by the Get BACk Challenge attracted 500 people to Thomond Park. A €20,000 contribution was also made to Mid-West Hospices from the 2009 cycle. 
The 2010 Get BACk Challenge takes place on Saturday, July 3 travelling from Limerick to Doonbeg. In addition to the 100km cycle event, a 20km coastal walk will also take place for the non-cyclists starting and finishing in Doonbeg. Information on the event is available on www.bdo-getback.com or 061 414455.