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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| Group of Injured Veterans to Bicycle Sea to Shining Sea — Ride Across America Led by World T.E.A.M. Sports |
| State Farm® sponsors cross-country ride to honor our nation’s service men and women and their commitment to being there for our country |
SAN FRANCISCO, May 12, 2010 – A team of exceptional athletes, many of whom are wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans representing all military branches, will depart from the Golden Gate Bridge on Saturday, May 22 for World T.E.A.M. Sports’ inaugural bike trek across America called Sea to Shining Sea. The goal of Sea to Shining Sea is to honor the courage of our service men and women, recognize the strength of the American spirit and challenge perceptions of how we view athletes. The ride will conclude in Virginia Beach on July 24. Spanning 63 days and 4,000 miles, the cyclists will test their physical limits and inspire people, disabled or not, to live active and enriched lives. The group will cycle through deserts, mountain passes and historical landmarks providing dramatic proof that disabled Americans can lead productive lives and accomplish feats most people only dream about. Several riders have specially-designed bikes that make it possible for them to participate. Among the supporters joining the group will be Army Brig. Gen. Arnold N. Gordon-Bray, retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert Magnus, and Ambassador Paul Bremer, who oversaw the reconstruction of Iraq from May 2003 to June 2004. “The selfless service of these warriors, including the injuries they sustained, is evidence of their courage, honor and commitment. Their indomitable will to succeed by completing the daunting Sea to Shining Sea ride is a testament to today's American military men and women,” said retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert Magnus. “I commend World T.E.A.M. Sports and State Farm for their own commitment to making this great ride possible.” State Farm is proud to sponsor the Sea to Shining Sea ride across America as a way to show support for service men and women and their commitment to being there for our country. In addition to funding, State Farm agents across the country will be there for all 63 days of the Sea to Shining Sea ride, serving as community coordinators -- providing local information, helping with logistics and route planning, and rallying folks to turn out to celebrate the riders along the way. For more than 65 years, State Farm has demonstrated its commitment to service men and women through a world-class military leave policy and company programs like the employee Military Affinity Group, Adopt-a-Soldier, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and now as presenting sponsor of the Sea To Shining Sea cross-country bike ride. For more information and to follow Sea to Shining Sea online, go to s2ssbikeride.org. ### Also Supporting the Ride: About State Farm® About World T.E.A.M. Sports World T.E.A.M. Sports is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating soul-stirring opportunities for individuals of all abilities through the power of sports. By bringing athletes of all cultures, with and without disabilities together as one TEAM, World T.E.A.M. enables fully inclusive TEAMS to accomplish goals beyond what is thought possible. World T.E.A.M. Sports recognizes sports as the true global commonality and believes that through such activities, the world can grow stronger and unite as powerful communities. World T.E.A.M. Sports is more than an organization, it is a movement to change the way the world perceives athletes. Contact Us Melissa McKinley Dana Metz Blair Decembrele
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