Carl Lewis Headlines 100-Mile Best Buddies Charity Ride
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) - Former Track and Field star Carl Lewis has arrived in the Bay Area for the annual Best Buddies Challenge on September 10th.
The Challenge includes a 100-mile charity bike ride down the Pacific Coast Highway from Carmel to San Simeon, benefiting Best Buddies International. The event also features 62, 30 and 15-mile routes.
The10-time Olympic Medalist will also lead a 5K run and 3K walk starting from Hearst Castle.
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated disabilities (IDD). It was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver.
Lewis told CBS 5's Roberta Gonzales that he has been involved with the organization since 1989 and a board member since 1994. He participates in numerous Best Buddies events throughout the year. He noted that some folks participate in the bike ride and the run.
In addition to his 9 Olympic Gold Medals, Lewis was a 10-time World Champion, including 8 gold medals. Among his other accolades were "Sportsman of the Century" and "Olympian of the Century." He has held a world record in the long jump since 1984. After track and field he has taken on a career in acting and has run for political office in New Jersey.
Other notable attendees expected at the event include Honorary Co-Chairs Maria Shriver and California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom; Actors Harry Hamlin and Verne Troyer; Actresses Teri Hatcher, Cheryl Hines, Kelly Hu, Lauren Potter, and Lisa Rinna; Best Buddies Founder and Chairman Anthony K. Shriver; High Road Sports Founder Bob Stapleton; Pro-Cyclists Ken Hanson and Meredith Miller; Television Personality Nancy O'Dell; and Political Ambassador Committee Members Mayor Kevin Johnson, Senator Michael J. Rubio, and California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.
Both Gonzales and Eye on the Bay's Liam Mayclem will also participate in the Best Buddies Challenge.
CBS 5 and KCBS All News Radio are sponsors of the Best Buddies Challenge.
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