BOSTON -Â The Boston University men's and women's lacrosse teams combined to raise a over $60,000 for Bike to the Beach, a 100-mile bike ride that raises money and awareness for autism.
Players and coaches from both programs completed the 100-mile ride from Boston to Newport, Rhode Island, on Saturday, Sept. 17, with other team members supporting the riders at rest stops along the route. This was the seventh year that the men's lacrosse team participated in this event while the women's program took part for the second straight year.
The men raised nearly $45,000 for the cause while the women raised over $16,000; together, the two programs raised over $60,000. In its seven years working with Bike to the Beach, BU Men's Lacrosse has raised over $259,000.
"I'm so proud of our team for once again stepping up for this great cause," men's lacrosse head coach Ryan Polley said. "This is an event that everyone in our program looks forward to each fall, and that was evident in our guys' fundraising outreach, their eagerness in learning about autism and their efforts during the ride, whether they completed the 100-mile journey or volunteered along the route. I'm also grateful to Coach Morton, her staff and players for all their hard work in their second year joining us for this amazing initiative."Â
"I'm extremely proud of our team for their incredible effort in making this event a success," women's lacrosse head coach Lauren Morton said. "We take great pride in giving back to the community, and our players and staff did an excellent job in representing Boston University Lacrosse. This ride has become an important part of our fall and we're grateful for the chance to support such a great cause."
Founded in 2007, Bike to the Beach's mission is to raise funds and awareness for autism, while promoting fun and fitness through cycling. Donations are made to Autism Speaks and other local autism charities to aid in their efforts to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum, a neurological disorder that affects one out of every 68 children.
