IU Health to be Title Sponsor of the 2016 Indy Criterium

Indy Chamber News Archives

State’s Most Comprehensive Health Care Provider to Award Grant to Support Local Bicycle Group Freewheelin’ Community Bikes programming

(Indianapolis, IN) -- Indianapolis’ biggest cycling race has gained a title sponsor that’s leading the pack in healthcare. Indiana University Health will be the title sponsor of the seventh annual Indy Criterium Bicycle Festival, taking place July 9 on Monument Circle. The Indy Criterium Bicycle Festival is the largest criterium race in the state of Indiana and one of the largest in the Midwest. More than 500 professional and amateur cyclists are expected to compete, drawing in crowds of nearly 10,000 to spectate throughout the day.

In addition to the fast-paced racing action, spectators can take partake in food from a variety of local food vendors. There are many cycling-related activities throughout the day for spectators to enjoy or take part in including BMX stunt shows from X-games athletes, the PNC Kids Zone, a bicycle safety course for kids, face painting and balloon artists, and the Franciscan St. Francis Health Indy Crit Kick-Off Ride starting at 9:00am with a parade lap around the actual race course.

“IU Health recognizes nutrition and healthy weight as one of the state’s top health priorities,” said Mike Yost, vice president of marketing, outreach and engagement at IU Health.“IU Health encourages everyone to be physically active; it’s good for our health. Ride a bike, take a walk, enjoy a swim, find a way you enjoy to be active and do it.”

This is the second year IU Health has been a major sponsor of the event. In addition to gaining naming rights, IU Health will offer a bike safety course for kids, health and wellness information, information about Primary Care Same Day Appointments and Change the Play, a Riley Children’s at IU Health program to promote health, fitness and overall wellness. IU Health leaders will be participating in this year’s VIP Celebrity race with otherlocal celebrities, business leaders and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.

The Indy Criterium Bicycle Festival is one of the most hotly contested bicycle races in the Midwest, with hundreds of pro and amateur participants competing. The race will wind through an exciting 1-mile figure-8 course looping through the heart of downtown Indianapolis over the famous Monument Circle bricks. Additional details, including an event map, can be found at www.indycrit.org.  Attendance is free.

All proceeds of the Indy Criterium benefit Freewheelin’ Community Bikes, a local non-profit committed to enhancing life skills for community youth through bicycles. In total, the Indy Criterium has contributed over $86,000 to Freewheelin’s Earn-A-Bike program that has seen more than 900 students go through their Earn-A-Bike program since it was founded nine years ago.

Freewheelin’ was the beneficiary of a $10,000 Community Impact Fund grant from IU Health, dedicated to the Earn-A-Bike and Explore Indy Riding program.  

Cyclists, volunteers, and spectators wishing can visit www.indycrit.org to learn more.   

 

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About Indiana University Health

Named among the "Best Hospitals in America" by U.S. News & World Report for 18 consecutive years, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation's leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Discover the strength at www.iuhealth.org.

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