Connecticut Motorcyclists Ride to Raise Money for Special Olympics
Annual ‘Dream Ride’ saw hundreds of bikers travel from Danbury Harley shop on 40-mile trip to raise funds for the Special Olympics.
Hundreds of local motorcycle riders in Danbury, Connecticut, set off from Danbury Harley-Davidson on Aug. 27 in a 40-mile ride to Farmington Polo Club in Farmington to help raise funds for the Special Olympics, reports News Times.
Approximately 250 riders set off from the Harley-Davidson dealership and met up with other motorcyclists from Florida, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, and even Canada at the Farmington Polo Club. The ride is called the “Dream Ride Experience” and is one of the largest fundraisers for the Special Olympics.
The Dream Ride Experience has raised $6.2 million since Michael Bozzuto, CEO of Bozzuto’s Inc., started the event in 2001, states Nnews Times. Volunteers for this year’s ride wanted to break $2 million in donations but also made clear that the ride does much more than just raise money for the Special Olympics.
“It provides experiences for athletes,” said one rider. “They get exposed to a multitude of other athletes worldwide and gain new friends.”
Special Olympics athletes from all over the world, including Australia, came to volunteer for the Dream Ride Experience and even took part in a unified swim meet and basketball game.
Riders like Steve Cornelio from Stamford, Conn., also had a great time. Cornelio, who has participated in the Dream Ride Experience multiple times, provided some insight on the ride. “That’s what riding Harleys is about,” he said. “It’s not just us.”
