SAN FRANCISCO, May 22, 2010 – A team of exceptional athletes, many of whom are wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans representing all military branches, departed from the Golden Gate Bridge today, Saturday, May 22, for World T.E.A.M. Sports’ inaugural bike trek across America called the State Farm Sea to Shining Sea. The goal of the ride 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 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 State Farm Sea to Shining Sea ride is a testament to today's American military men and women,” said retired Marine Corps 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 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 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 State Farm Sea To Shining Sea cross-country bike ride.

For more information and to follow Sea to Shining Sea online, go to s2ssbikeride.org.

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Also Supporting the Ride:
MeadWestvaco Corporation, Dominion Resources, NewMarket Corporation, GE, Penske Truck Rental, Verizon Wireless, Westinghouse Electric Company and Soldiers Angels

About State Farm®
State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm’s 17,700 agents and 68,600 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 78.7 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 34 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada Statefarm.ca®

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.