Despite having studied for two years as a human kinetics student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Griffin surprised the sporting fraternity in February when he announced his departure from the Clare Hurling team in order to embark on the charity cycle.
Since setting off on his arduous six-week 'Ride for the Cure' from Vancouver's Stanley Park in early May, Tony Griffin has cycled through the Rocky Mountains and across the Canadian Shield. The Canadian leg of his 7,000km journey, which has been endorsed by seven-times Tour De France winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, will conclude in Halifax this afternoon from where he will continue on to Dublin on 30th June. The founder of the Tony Griffin Foundation will complete the final leg, with 100 other charity cyclists, across Ireland to Ennis in County Clare on Sunday 1st July.
The 26-year-old hopes to raise EUR1m (1.5m Canadian Dollars) for the Irish Cancer Society, Ovarian Cancer Canada and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Peter J. Kelly, Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality said today's was being held "in recognition of Tony Griffin's outstanding achievement and to welcome him back to his second home."
"Tony is to be commended for his devotion, time and energy in pursuit of his dream to bike across Canada and Ireland to raise funds for cancer research", stated Mayor Kelly in a letter to the Mayor of Clare.
Mayor Kelly continued, "Over six million people die of cancer worldwide each year. Tony's dream raises awareness of the importance of cancer research and funds raised will bring us closer to a future where effective prevention will enable us to enjoy cancer-free lives."
The Mayor of Clare Flan Garvey described Tony Griffin's efforts to raise funds for cancer research as "inspirational"
He added, "Tony's determined and selfless actions will help the many millions of people affected by cancer each year. I am sure Tony's late father would be proud to see him inspiring people and encouraging them to celebrate their lives."
"As a fellow Clareman I would like to congratulate him and everyone involved in the Tony Griffin Foundation for making a difference and taking direct action aimed at benefiting others. I have every confidence that Tony will surpass his target of raising EUR1M to fund cancer research", concluded Mayor Garvey.
During his cycle across the second-largest landmass in the world, Tony Griffin has garnered extensive media coverage and has also met with dozens of cancer survivors in such places as Vancouver, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. The economics graduate of National University of Ireland Galway has also been inspired by the presence and support of over one thousand volunteers, supporters and donors. Meanwhile, a large crowd turned out earlier this month to attend a fundraising concert in Toronto.
For more on the Tony Griffin Foundation log on to www.tonygriffinfoundation.com.
ENDS
Please note that the Mayor of Clare Flan Garvey (00353-868109449)
Further information is available from Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353-868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)
