IN just over 100 days, eight people from Deloitte's Leeds office will take to the roads of Britain as part of a bid to raise £1m for ParalympicsGB over the next four years.
On June 12th 2010, they embark on the Deloitte Ride Across Britain - a 1,000 mile route from John O'Groats to Land's End over nine stages - and fundraising initiatives are underway across the country. Every Deloitte rider will raise funds for ParalympicsGB, with the majority of the riders undertaking an arduous nine month training programme for this new annual corporate challenge.
The overall route has been carefully mapped to take the riders through some of Britain's most iconic countryside, as well as past some of Deloitte's 21 regional offices. The event aims to get over 600 people on their bikes for a good cause, including over 100 Deloitte riders, clients of the firm, members of the public and sporting stars including Paralympic gold medallist Sarah Storey.
The firm's choice of ParalympicsGB as the charity partner for the ride is aligned to Deloitte Disability Sport, a programme that aims to get disabled people active, competing and winning in sport. The programme includes Deloitte Parasport, the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme and the firm's sponsorship of ParalympicsGB.
Leeds-based Heather Hancock, Deloitte's lead partner for London 2012 said: "The Deloitte Ride Across Britain is an exciting initiative for us and we are very proud to be supporting ParalympicsGB. The ride is an innovative way for us to engage our people and our clients, bringing these groups together to raise funds for disability sport in Great Britain and for our future Paralympians.
"We are delighted to support this unique event and charity. Following the team's most successful Games ever in Beijing, it is essential that ParalympicsGB continues to receive the financial support it requires to train, improve and inspire athletes in the run up to London 2012."
Local rider, Dan Wright who works in Corporate Finance Transaction Services at the Leeds office, said: "It is going to be a tough challenge, but I know that all the Deloitte riders are determined to complete the ride. We know the money we are raising will be spent wisely - on areas that will enable the team to give their lifetime's best performances at the London 2012 Paralympic Games."

To support the Deloitte team from Leeds, go to http://www.justgiving.com/Deloitte-Leeds-RideAcrossBritain-Team
ParalympicsGB Chief Executive Phil Lane welcomed the efforts and fundraising of the riders, saying: "Across Britain, young people with a disability have been inspired by the achievements of Britain's Paralympians and dreams of London 2012. Deloitte's decision to make ParalympicsGB the charity partner of the Deloitte Ride Across Britain - and the incredible efforts of the riders - will enable a new generation of Paralympians to emerge with more than just dreams. They will have realistic hopes built on solid foundations."
The Deloitte Ride Across Britain will be run and managed by Threshold Sports. James Cracknell, Olympian and co-founding director, said: "We're delighted to be supported by Deloitte for the Deloitte Ride Across Britain. We wanted to create a cycling event that would give everybody the opportunity to get outdoors and achieve something new and exciting. Selecting ParalympicsGB as the charity partner will provide disability sport with an extra boost to help nurture and develop future Paralympians. Deloitte's contribution will have a lasting impact for years to come."

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