This amazing challenge is about raising over $1 million to spread happiness to more than 25,000 sick kids across our beautiful country.
Tour de Kids is the ride that gives back, not only to participants but to sick kids. While riders enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being active, fundraising efforts will support Starlight’s vital hospital programs for sick kids, including Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Rooms.
Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to clock up their kilometres in any way that suits them. Whether it be on a leisurely weekend cycle, a ride to work or in a spin class, every kilometre ridden helps sick kids in need. These awesome programs provide a safe and fun space for sick kids, like little Lexi, to be themselves again.
Let’s talk about Lexi, the bravest 3-year-old kiddo you’ll ever meet. She’s been fighting a tough battle against kidney cancer. With 26 weeks of chemotherapy, major surgery, and radiotherapy, hospital stays have been a real challenge. Lexi struggles with painful procedures and isolation from kids her own age, and Starlight’s hospital programs have been a shining light for the whole family during her treatmen. It’s not just “going to the hospital” for Lexi, it’s “going to the Starlight Express Room” – a place where she can be herself and have loads of fun.
Tour de Kids has some fantastic people supporting it too. Amazing Australian Triathletes Craig Alexander and Emma Jeffcoat, along with the super cool TV personality and cycling enthusiast Tristan MacManus are all cheering you on to get active for this fantastic cause.
Starlight’s CEO, Louise Baxter, knows how important it is to keep the fun alive for sick kids.
Being diagnosed with a serious illness can change the course of a child’s life forever, but being sick shouldn’t mean missing out on the fun of childhood.
“Starlight exists to brighten the lives of sick kids, turning pain and fear into fun, laughter and joy,” she said.
By joining Tour de Kids, not only do you get to be part of an amazing cause, but you’ll also be rewarded for your efforts. You could get your hands on an exclusive Tour de Kids x Santini cycling jersey, and if you sign up before 31 August, you might just win a BMC URS One Gravel Bike from 99 Bikes, valued at $4,999.
An exclusive fitness and fundraising app will also be available to participants for the first time this year, allowing you to not only keep on top of their progress but to also challenge their friends and fellow teammates.
Since 2001, Tour de Kids has been Australia’s very first charity bike ride, and the team have been riding strong ever since. When Starlight took it virtual in 2019, the magic just multiplied. Over 8,574 amazing cyclists have raised over $3.6 million, touching the lives of more than 92,000 sick kiddos and their families.
Registration is open now, so don’t miss your chance to be part of it. You can ride anytime between 1 – 30 September 2023.
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