Shelley Gartside started the After School Bike Club at Aspen Park School as part of the Cyclebetes program to raise awareness of diabetes and to help raise funds to find a cure for diabetes.
Payton Gartside was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at 2.5 years. After the initial shock wore off her family swung into gear looking for ways to raise money to find a cure for diabetes.
The Cyclebetes program is new to School District 71 and the parents have told Shelley how much fun the kids are having. After school on Wednesday鈥檚 the bike club meets in the parking lot and practices riding, braking, turn signals, and talks about nutrition and exercise.
Shelley wanted the kids in the bike club to have a positive role model.
Amanda Wakeling, a junior Bike Cross winner, teaches the kids how to bike safely. Brandon Adama, also a Type 1 diabetic, generously donated his time and checked the kids' bikes to make sure they were safe on the first day of the club.
Adama returned to Aspen Park School on May 4 to perform bike tricks to entertain the kids.
The club culminates in a Lap-a-Thon on May 11 at Aspen Park School and the kids will ride their bikes for an hour to raise money for diabetes.
If you鈥檇 like to donate, call Shelley Gartside at Odlum Brown at 250-703-0637.
鈥� Cyclebetes
