¦ July 15, 2009
RUN, WALK and WHEELATHON - Toronoto Canada
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and Shoot for a Cure Moto Sport

(TORONTO, ON) – July 15, 2009 – On Thursday July 9th, over 400 runners, walkers and wheelers joined the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and Shoot For A Cure Moto Sport at the RUN, WALK and WHEELATHON, presented by the Toronto Sun.  Approximately $12,000 was raised while uniting various organizations, who together are working to combat road racing and to find a cure for paralysis.

The Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation sponsored the event and were elated with the support of the initiative from the entire Indy family. The Andretti Green Racing Team, the owners of the Honda Indy Toronto event, graciously supplied the track for the event and were tremendous supporters of the overall cause. With the overwhelming response we are looking forward to another great and successful event in 2010.

Adriano Belli of the Toronto Argonauts sang the Canadian National Anthem and the entire crowd, led by Michael Andretti and Sam Schmidt, sang the American National Anthem. Michael Andretti then launched the festitivities on the track, asking all participants to start their engines! Michael Andretti was joined by several drivers and their families (JR Hilderbrand, James Hinchcliffe, Martin Plowman, Gustavo Yacaman, and Wade Cunningham), Kevin Savoree and Kim Green,  NHL Alumni members (Ron Ellis, Lou Francescetti), Toronto Argonauts (Nic Carriere, Tyler Scott and Da'Shawn Thomas), Ida Cahill (Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation) and Kerry Goulet (Shoot For A Cure) to lead  runners from the Running Room (organizers of the Run) and participants, on their 2.8 kilometre trek around the track.

Over 22 wheelchair participants showed their determination and crossed the finish line cheered on by the crowd.  Each was presented with marathon medals from the Hooter Girls. Predrag Mladenovic, winner of the race, finished in approximately 8 minutes and was excited to have run on the famed Indy track. The last participant, Kevin Mills, wheeled around the Honda Indy track in 1 hour and 35 minutes, and was an inspiration to all. "This was my life before my accident, I achieved the biggest goal of life today by wheeling this track where cars fly around at speeds of up to 150 miles an hour, I can't thank the organizers enough for giving me this opportunity. I will be back next year to beat my time!" said an elated Mills.

The after party, held in the Heritage Court of the Direct Energy Building, featured the band E-Z Street, the Toronto Maple Leaf Bus, Dr. Pepper Drink Team, the Hooter Girls, a silent auction and several injury awareness information booths. The coalition of booths included MADD, Young Drivers, the Toronto Rehab Foundation, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, March of Dimes, and the Canadian & American Spinal Research Organization.  Participants enjoyed a complimentary reflexology session food provided by the BottomLine Restaurant.  Nazem Kadri and Jesse Blacker, the first and second round draft picks of the Toronto Maple Leafs, were also on hand to sign autographs and take pictures with all the participants.

Run/Walk/Wheelathon participant Ryan Durham, who raised the most money in donations, also won the raffle prize of a VIP Race Day Package from Sam Schmidt Motorsports.  Ryan's prize included 4 infield passes, lunch with the team, photo ops and a close-up view of the race.  Ryan will certainly get a lot of "mileage" out of his unique opportunity to meet the one-and-only Danica Patrick! 

 For photos of the event, click here.

To view a video of the event, click here.  (The video is on the right-hand side of the page.)

If you would like more information about the event, and Shoot For A Cure, please contact Kerry Goulet at [email protected] or 416-828-2929.  To learn more about the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation please contact Ida Cahill at [email protected] .