Walk, Run, Hike or Bike with Team Diabetes and Make a Difference!

“When my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes she received immediate care and treatment at the hospital. The doctors, dieticians and educators who helped us through the first few very difficult days and weeks were incredible. The whole experience motivated me to get involved with Team Diabetes.”

Geoff Goldsmith-Jones will be running for the second time in the BMO Vancouver Marathon with Team Diabetes in May in support of his daughter and the three million other Canadians living with diabetes.

Team Diabetes is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2010 and since the program’s inception, over 4,000 team members have raised $23.5 million in support of diabetes education, research, advocacy and programs but a lot more still needs to be done. You can help the Canadian Diabetes Association get closer to its goals by joining team members like Geoff at exciting events around the world!

With over a dozen events on the schedule, Team Diabetes has a distance, destination and fundraising level that’s right for you plus we provide you with the tools you need to be successful. Walk or run in the BMO Vancouver Marathon or join us in the Land of Fire and Ice at the Reykjavik Marathon. Conquer the Grand Canyon or a volcano in Costa Rica for the eco-adventure of a lifetime. Prefer to ride a bike? Join us for the exciting new Whistler GranFondo road ride from Vancouver to Whistler or hit the mountain bike trails in the BC Bike Race!

Like Geoff, most team members have a very close connection to diabetes and wearing the Team Diabetes colours in support of their loved ones is an opportunity not to be missed.

“As a person with type 1 diabetes and the father of a young child who also has type 1, my athletic adventures are structured to remind me, my son and all others that diabetes does not need to slow us down,” said Matthew White, 9th place finisher, Team of 2 Open Men at the 2009 BC Bike Race with teammate Mark Henry. “In fact, we use diabetes as a challenge to be healthier and fitter than those without the disease. With that goal in mind it was wonderful that Team Diabetes gave us the opportunity to raise awareness and money for the cause. The generous support of all the donors to Team Diabetes motivated me to not only finish my first BC Bike Race, but to finish in the top 10,” added Matthew proudly.

In addition to the satisfaction of supporting such a great cause and getting healthier by doing so, there are many great benefits our team members enjoy, from race registration and team shirt to airfare and accommodation, depending on the event and fundraising level chosen. Fundraising ranges from only $500 for participation in local events up to $6,100 for international marathons and hikes.

You don’t have to have diabetes to register, just the desire to make a difference! Join Team Diabetes today at www.teamdiabetes.ca!

For more information visit the team website or contact Rebecca at rebecca.taylor@diabetes.ca / 604-732-1331 ext. 246. Join our facebook group to see team photos, videos, upcoming events and more!