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Get on your bike for York@50

Posted on 10 May 2013

Students, staff, alumni and the local community are taking part in the York@50 Bike Rides on 2 June to help to mark the 50th Anniversary of the University of York.

Organised jointly by the University and the Students’ Union (YUSU), the York@50 Bike Rides will raise money for an Anniversary fund-raising campaign, Project Snowball. The project aims to renovate the Snowball Plantation, an outdoor activity centre for young people in Stockton on the Forest.

Cyclists from departments across campus, including Chemistry, Language and Linguistic Science, the Library and Estates and Campus Services, have already signed up to take part but the organisers say more are welcome both from within the University and the local community.

The Snowball Plantation is used by St John Ambulance, local scout and guide groups, the Pre-school Learning Alliance, many local community sports clubs and the University of York student project, Kids’ Camp.

The York@50 Big Bike Ride will start and finish at York Sport Village and participants can choose to cycle 52 or 25 miles.  Suitable for cyclists of all abilities, the rides are fully supported and pass through the quiet country lanes on the outskirts of York.  

This bike ride is a chance to get students, staff and alumni together for a great cause

Dr Jane Grenville

For younger riders there is a York@50 Family Ride on the new traffic-free 1 km fixed circuit at York Sport Village.

If cycling does not appeal then people can still support Project Snowball by sponsoring a friend or volunteer to help with renovation work at the Snowball Plantation later in the year, or simply make a gift.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jane Grenville, who will be taking part in the York@50 Big Bike Ride, said:

"This bike ride is a chance to get students, staff and alumni together for a great cause. What better way to celebrate our anniversary and give something back to the local community. If I can do it, anyone can!” 

For more information on how to sign up, volunteer or give visit www.yorkspace.net/york50.

Notes to editors:

  • Read more about the University of York's 50th Anniversary
  • The Snowball Plantation is a 17 acre site which includes two buildings and eight campsites. It is located in Stockton on the Forest and offers extensive grounds and facilities, and a safe place for young people from the age of six upwards to enjoy activities, nature, and learning through adventure. The site opens its doors 41 weeks of the year but it is in need of renovation and repair.
  • Kids Camp is run by student volunteers and affords University of York students the opportunity to work for three weeks of the year with children who are recommended by Social Services as being in need of a break. These children are aged between 8 and 11 and they may be victims of domestic violence, young carers or children in care.

Contact details

David Garner
Senior Press Officer

Tel: +44 (0)1904 322153

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