Over 315 cyclists took part throughout the two days of the Dolphins Cycling Challenge culminating this afternoon at Sun Life Stadium. Day two of the event featured two options for participants: a 70-mile ride from City Place in West Palm Beach to Sun Life Stadium or a 30-mile ride from Ft. Lauderdale to Sun Life Stadium. Additionally, children and pre-teen riders got the chance to cycle through various courses set-up on the grounds of Sun Life Stadium. This major community initiative was a collaborative effort between the Miami Dolphins Foundation and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and raised much needed funds for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“The weekend was great and it is a tribute to riders, volunteers and donors,” said Mike Dee, Dolphins CEO. “Our organization was committed to this and it couldn’t have gone better. This is a significant first step and we will begin planning for next year immediately in hopes of making this event bigger and better to raise additional funds for cancer research and continue to make an impact in our community.”
On the first day of the ride, cyclists participated in a 100-mile-long “Century Ride” from Downtown Miami to West Palm Beach where cyclists enjoyed an end-of-the-ride celebration at City Place. In honor of Miami Dolphins alum and radio voice Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich, the Dolphins team was named “Team Mad Dog.” Mandich is currently being treated at Sylvester and was joined on “Team Mad Dog” by Dolphins executives and alumni.
“When Mike Dee proposed this event, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Mandich. “I was unfamiliar with cycling and what the potential for an event like this was. To see the way it was supported, to see the way the plan was executed and to see the generous check given to the Sylvester Cancer Center made all of the effort really worthwhile. Cancer touches our friends and all of our families. It is important for when it does to have a world-class cancer facility in your hometown. That’s what these funds are dedicated to and at the end of the day great resources will be raised to find a cure for cancer.”