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Sunsplash event for ADA
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SAVANNAH – The American Diabetes Association’s fall campaign takes on a new twist with three exciting events all on one day. The kick-off announcing the new signature event will be on May 20 at 5:30 p.m., poolside, at the Savannah Hilton DeSoto on Liberty Street in Savannah. This event is free and open to the public.

Campaign chairman Ken Gaylord, First Chatham Bank, will introduce the event directors for each activity and plans for the festival will be announced to the public. The chairs for the additional events are: Tony Eichholz, Byck Management, Tour de Cure and David Mason, Lorwil Land Corporation, Kayak for a Kure.

The American Diabetes Association is honoring those affected by diabetes by having attendees wear red T-shirts that say Red Strider (walker), Red Rider (cyclist) and Red Rower (kayakers) to the kick-off event as well as at the day-of-event. Kayak professional, Barry Shrum, will also be performing kayak maneuvers to generate excitement about the kayak portion of the event.

On Oct. 17, walkers, cyclists and kayakers will convene at the UGA Marine Extension Service Aquarium grounds for the Sunsplash Outdoor Fitness Festival following a morning of three fitness activities.

Tour de Cure – Registration 6:30 a.m. /ride 7:30 a.m.

Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes – Registration 9 a.m./walk 10 a.m.

Kayak for a Kure – Registration at Butterbean Beach 9 a.m./paddle 10 a.m.

The walking event, Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes (previously called Walk on the Wild Side), features corporate and family teams and individual walkers who will complete a beautiful 3 mile trail along the Skidaway River.

The cycling event, Tour de Cure, will also include individuals and teams riding either a 10-mile course or 40-mile course throughout Skidaway Island and The Landings, beginning and ending at the UGA Marine Extension Service Aquarium. Training rides will take place in advance of this event for those who will participate in the 40-mile course.

The kayaking event, Kayak for a Kure, invites paddlers of all abilities to bring their kayaks to Butterbean Beach, where the tide will take them down the Skidaway River for a 3-mile paddle to the UGA Marine Extension Service Aquarium. Paddling clinics will be held in advance of this event for beginners from 6-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 9, 11 and 13 at Lake Mayor Park.

The culminating celebration, Sunsplash Outdoor Fitness Festival, will bring together serious athletes and reformed couch potatoes alike, for an afternoon of live music, great food and free health screenings and vendors.

The focus on outdoor fitness underscores the importance of physical activity to improved health and the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
With proper treatment and management, diabetes can be controlled.

All funds raised during the Sunsplash Outdoor Fitness Festival support the mission of American Diabetes Association, to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease and claims over 225,000 American lives annually.