(FORT MCMURRAY, AB – June 15, 2020) The Wood Buffalo You Can Ride 2 program is back for another successful year; and has loaned over 100 bicycles to children with special needs in the Wood Buffalo region thus far.
Both the Fort McMurray Catholic and Public school division staff along with the support of sponsors, and volunteers have worked diligently to ensure program continuity. Launched locally three years ago, the award-winning program has distributed over 250 bikes.
Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Deputy Superintendent Monica Mankowski says she’s immensely proud of the growth of the program in our region, “The first You Can Ride 2 program started in Edmonton in 2012 and we wanted to bring it here ever since. We are very thankful for our sponsors and volunteers who have made this third year a reality. Children are assessed by a trained physiotherapist or occupational therapist to ensure they have a bike that will suit their individual needs.”
“Growing this program was always a priority. We are grateful for the partnerships with our sponsors, therapists, and volunteers. This initiative is truly grounded in the well-being of our community’s children and we are delighted to see it sustained,” notes Shannon Noble, Assistant Superintendent – Inclusive Education, Fort McMurray Public School Division.
Thank you to our sponsors. Wood Buffalo You Can Ride 2 would not be possible without their support:
Stratosphere Sports
Transportation Sense
Canadian Tire
Red Cross
Children’s Ability
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Sport Chek
HALOS
Kinette Club of Fort McMurray
Safe Communities Wood Buffalo
Freedom Concepts
In 2019, Wood Buffalo You Can Ride 2 won the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s coveted Citizen Recognition Award shared by the Fort McMurray Public School Division, Fort McMurray Catholic Schools, and the Canadian Red Cross.
Program questions can be directed to: wbyoucanride2@gmail.com. The group has a Facebook page as well: https://www.facebook.com/woodbuffaloyoucanride2/