The Atlanta/North Georgia office of the American Diabetes Association is challenging local cyclists to dig deep within themselves and un-tap the determination, strength and courage it takes to participate in the 2006 Tour de Cure®, an annual cycling event to raise money for diabetes, the nation’s fifth leading cause of death by disease.

On Sunday, May 21, cyclists from around the region will gather at Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone (South Metro Atlanta) to participate in Tour to raise $315,000 to support research for a cure. They will join over 26,000 other cyclists and volunteers at more than 80 sites throughout the United States this spring.

“Many people will participate in Tour de Cure for the camaraderie and physical cycling challenge. But the real reward comes in knowing that every mile they ride and every dollar they raise brings us that much closer to a cure for this disease that affects nearly 21 million American children and adults each year,” said Andy Berg, Tour de Cure corporate chair and member of the American Diabetes Association’s Atlanta Leadership Council. “With diabetes growing at near-epidemic proportions, the need for funds has never been so great,” Berg added. Berg is Chief Executive Officer of Homrich & Berg, Inc.

Each year, more than 1 million people are diagnosed with diabetes and this number is expected to rise as our population becomes older, more sedentary and obese.

Tour de Cure is sponsored nationally by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and locally by Cox Enterprises, WSB-TV and 92.9 Dave FM. The event raises funds through registration fees and pledges collected by the cyclists. To register, form a team or volunteer for Tour de Cure, call the American Diabetes Association toll free at 1 888-DIABETES (888-342-2383) or visit us on the Internet at www.diabetes.org/tour.

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