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Health & Fitness

Orland Park Police Host Bike Ride for Special Olympics

The Orland Park Police Department will hold its annual bicycle ride for Special Olympics Illinois on Sunday, August 25. Check-in/registration begins at 7:00 a.m. with the ride beginning at 8:00 a.m., departing from and returning to the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 South Ravinia Avenue.

“The Orland Park Police Department is a great supporter of Special Olympics Illinois, participating in fundraising events throughout the year,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “Bike riders look forward to the August ride because it’s a nicely paced, scenic Sunday morning trip through and around Orland Park,” the mayor said.

The 14.4-mile course will travel through Old Orland and will then connect with the Tinley Creek Forest Preserve Trails. A water stop is held midway through the ride, which is not a race.

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“Everyone is invited to join the police department’s fundraising efforts for Special Olympics Illinois,” said Trustee Carole Griffin Ruzich, chair of the village’s Public Safety Committee. “This is a great ride for a great cause,” she added.

Refreshments will be available and a complimentary breakfast buffet with soft drinks and coffee will be available at the Civic Center after the ride.

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“Each summer, people ask when the ride is because it’s become an annual favorite,” said Chief Tim McCarthy, who participates each year. “It’s not a race. It’s leisurely paced and everyone remains together as a group,” the chief said, adding that all participants are expected to wear bicycle helmets.

Pre-registration is available until 5:00 P.M. on Friday, August 23 at the Orland Park Police Department, 15100 South Ravinia Avenue and at the Frederick T. Owens Village Hall, 14700 South Ravinia. Registration will also be available on the day of the event.

Ron Kus, who serves as a telecommunications officer for the police department, coordinates the department’s Special Olympics fundraising efforts.

“The bike patrol leads the group and we stop midway through for a water break. All of the proceeds are given to Special Olympics Illinois. It’s a great event and we welcome everyone,” Kus said.

The ride is open to those ages twelve and older and the cost is $20 per person. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

Registration forms are available at Orland Park’s Frederick T. Owens Village Hall, 14700 South Ravinia Avenue, at the Orland Park Police Department, 15100 South Ravinia and on the village’s website at http://www.orland-park.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/22409

The cost is $20 per rider with all proceeds benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. Checks should be made payable to Special Olympics Illinois.

The Orland Park Police Ride is co-sponsored by the Orland Park Law Enforcement Organization, Paddy B’s Pub, Silver Lake Country Club and the Orland Park Lions Club. Further information is available by calling the Police Department non-emergency number, 708/349-4111.

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