ORGANISERS of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have announced two major charity partners in the lead up to the biggest cycling event ever, which will take place in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3-13 August this year.
Cancer support charity Maggie’s has been appointed as UK national charity partner, and World Bicycle Relief global charity partner.
Welcoming both charities, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships CEO, Trudy Lindblade said: “Having two established and well-respected charities joining us is wonderful news. The work that each organisation undertakes in their respective fields is inspiring, and we value the opportunity to work with Maggie’s and World Bicycle Relief in the coming months.
Whilst the UCI Cycling World Championships will create unique and memorable moments during August for participants and spectators, we are also focused on what cycling means longer term for everyone. We know the impacts of cycling can be extremely positive in relation to well-being, health and sustainability, and working with our charity partners will enable us to work together to share knowledge, raise awareness and support their fundraising efforts.”
Over the course of the partnership, Maggie’s will be encouraging people to get moving with a brand-new cycling fundraising challenge launching in April, as well as sharing inspiring stories from their 24 UK centres about people with cancer who have used the power of the bike to help improve their mental and physical health.
Maggie’s will develop a dedicated UCI World Cycling Championships hub on their website, hosting webinars on cycling and its health benefits including tips from their expert teams on the importance of making healthier choices, and taking time to focus on health and wellbeing.
Maggie’s will also be at UCI World Cycling Championships events in Glasgow and across Scotland in August, with pop-up centres, where fans and spectators will be able to learn about how the charity can support anyone living with cancer, and how they can support Maggie’s by fundraising through the power of the bike.
Global non-profit World Bicycle Relief helps communities with limited access to transportation realise their goals by providing a tool that will support them to reach education, markets, health facilities and vital services they need to thrive. Equipped with a specially made, purpose-designedBuffalo Bicycle, individuals in low-income regions are a force for change, creating opportunities for themselves, their families and entire communities.
Entrepreneurs use bicycles to increase productivity and profits. Students attend class more regularly, and their academic performances improve. And health workers visit more patients in less time, providing better, more consistent care. World Bicycle Relief also promotes local economies and long-term sustainability by assembling bicycles locally and training mechanics to service the bicycles.
Since 2005, World Bicycle Relief, in partnership with local communities, has distributed more than 715,000 bicycles and trained over 3,000 bicycle mechanics across 21 countries in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America.
Ancillary events at the UCI World Cycling Championships will include opportunities to learn about World Bicycle Relief’s specially engineered Buffalo Bicycle and the impact two wheels can help create in low-income regions of the world – particularly for women and girls. Spectators and participants will also have the chance to support World Bicycle Relief’s work through fundraising and direct donations.
Maggie’s Chief Executive Dame Laura Lee said: “We are so delighted to have been selected as the national charity partner of the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships, alongside global charity partners World Bicycle Relief.
“Not only is this a wonderful way for us to raise awareness of how we support people living with cancer and raise funds for us to help as many people with cancer as possible, but it is also a fantastic opportunity to encourage more people to cycle as part of a healthy lifestyle. We know how important exercise can be and encourage our centre visitors to do gentle exercise whenever possible.
“I hope everyone in the UK gets behind the Championships – as a keen cyclist myself I know I will be.”
Allison Dufosee, CEO of World Bicycle Relief UK said: “We can’t wait to join cyclists and cycling fans around the world to celebrate the UCI Cycling World Championships. Whether it’s breath-taking speed and unparalleled endurance or reaching school, the market or health clinics with time and energy to spare, bicycles are a force for change. We’re excited to partner with the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to share World Bicycle Relief’s mission and impact with the global community.”
