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Published on July 27th, 2018 | by Landon Buford

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Third Annual Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo charity ride to take place September 22, 2018

Photo Credit – Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities

On Thursday, July 18, Pat and Emmitt Smith joined with friends, sponsors, and cycling enthusiasts to celebrate the upcoming third Annual Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo charity cycling ride. This year’s ride will take place on Saturday, September 22 leaving from the Rough Riders Stadium in Frisco, TX.  The Gran Fondo courses are designed to accommodate the most avid of cyclists to the casual weekend rider. There are five routes to choose from: a 100-mile Gran Fondo with a winner take all purse of $10,000, along with the Medio Fondo (100K), Piccolo Fondo (45-mile), Ride 22 (22-mile) and a family fondo. Participants and their families will want to stay after the ride to enjoy a post-race party complete with a beer garden and cocktails, entertainment, family activities and an awards ceremony.

Emmitt Smith invited Adrienne TrimbleGeneral Manager of Diversity & Inclusion at Toyota, to the podium where it was announced that Toyota is joining the event as this year’s Presenting Sponsor and as the Official Vehicle Partner for Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities. “At Toyota, we value our community partnerships and strive to work hand in hand with our neighbors to serve others,” said Trimble. “With Pat & Emmitt Smith charities we have built a partnership so that together we are helping support children get scholarships to college, supporting families in a time of need through the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities’ Back to School program at a time when funds can be tight. Toyota is proud to put our name alongside these two people and their nonprofit.”

Pat Smith then spoke passionately about the mission of Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities saying, “Emmitt and I know that the life that we now live is not just due to our personal talents – but also due to the fact that many others took the time to recognize us, to pour into us, to love us and to share what they had in their world with us. We believe it is our duty to do that for others and are so proud to provide life-changing experiences, mentorship and service opportunities to our TEAM 22 kids and thousands of other children throughout North Texas.” She then brought Taylor Robertson to the podium to talk about her personal experiences as a part of the TEAM 22 program.

Emmitt Smith then excitedly announced the official launch of the Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo gear site where cyclists and fans can purchase official merchandise with funds benefiting the charity. And he ended the night encouraging participants to join TEAM 22, the official fundraising team of the Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo. TEAM 22 is open to all Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo participants and supporters, with incentives based on milestones and top fundraiser status. The minimum entry to be eligible for the incentives is $150 with special prizes awarded to the Top 22 and Top 5 overall fundraisers. The deadline to be eligible for Top fundraiser awards is September 1. Eligible prizes include: TEAM 22 t-shirtentry into the TEAM 22 tent VIP area with Emmitt Smith, Top 5 TEAM 22 jersey, Free entry for the 2019 event, VIP Parking pass, entry into training rides with Emmitt Smith (Must reach goal by 9/1).

Cycling enthusiasts will be excited to learn that Frankie Andreu, one of the most popular and well-respected names in American professional cycling will be riding in this year’s Gran Fondo. Andreu retired from racing at the end of 2000 after a 12-year professional career. During his racing career he competed in the Tour de France nine times and competed in three Tours of Spain and one Giro d’ Italia.  His racing experience not only encompassed Grand Tours, but also included high placed finishes in World Cup events, World Championships, and Spring Classics. He competed in two Olympic Games, 1988 placing 8th, and 1996 placing 4th in Atlanta.

This charity ride will benefit Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities. For more information on the event, route information or to register, visit http://www.emmittsmithgranfondo.com.

Current Sponsors Include: Toyota, PlainsCapital Bank, Waste Management, Albertsons/Tom Thumb, Herradura, Andrews, Shell, HKS, Axxess, Cigna, Texas Health Plano, Racing Systems, Run Project, Two Men & A Truck, and Bob Lilly Promotions. Official Service Providers who are helping us build momentum in the cycling community include Richardson Bike Mart, Plano Cycling and Fitness, Dallas Bike Works and Bicycles Plus.


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Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.


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