The Best Buddies Challenge Ireland is taking place on June 18, 2006 at the Phoenix Park Dublin. Cycling Ireland is hosting the event on behalf of Best Buddies, a charity that promotes one to one friendships for people with intellectual disabilities.

Following on from the success of the Special Olympics, founded by Eunice Shriver, her son Anthony Kennedy Shriver set up the charity Best Buddies. Like the special Olympics, Best Buddies is aimed at people suffering from intelectual disabilty. The main source of fundraising for this charity is through bike rides. This is the first year the Kennedy Family have decided to hold one of their bike rides outside of the United States and have chosen Ireland as the place to do it.

Starting at 9 o'clock outside the Civil Defense in the Phoenix Park, the ride will take a 90 mile route out towards Athboy Co Meath and return home through Summerhill before finishing up again at the Park. Massage tents, drinks stops and entertainment will be providing along the way and the event will finish off with a celebratory party.

Entry into the cycle is €50 and every cent goes towards the charity. There is also a 25 mile route for those who don't quite fancy the longer ride. Eunice Shriver herself will be coming over to take part. On the day the park will be breaming with cycling related activities. First off a series of celebrity crit races will be taking place. There will be display of old bikes and spectators are encouraged to bring their own old bicycles along with them.

Cycling Ireland will also be providing coaching tips and ideas on how to get involved in cycling. A selection of provate photographs from the Keennedy Family's own collection will also be on display. So book your place in this great event now.

ENTRY FORM: Entry forms are available to download here >>>(50k PDF)

Please contact events@cyclingireland.ie  or ring the office on 01 8551522 For further information visit the Cycling Ireland website: www.cyclingireland.ie