By Randall Rigsbee
Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office’s second annual Cruisin’ for Champions motorcycle ride was a success, bringing together 75 riders for a beautiful day of riding, fellowship and support for Special Olympics North Carolina.
Hosted by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, Sept. 26, the event began at White Oak Beach at Jordan Lake, where riders gathered before heading out on an escorted scenic ride through Chatham County. Riders returned to White Oak Beach for an afternoon of food, music, games, raffle prizes and fellowship.
The event raised more than $15,000 for Special Olympics North Carolina.
“Once again, our community came together to support an incredible organization and the athletes who are at the heart of Special Olympics,” said Sheriff Steve Maynor. “We had a beautiful day, 75 riders, and a lot of fun, but most importantly, we came together for a great cause. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who rode, volunteered, sponsored the event or simply came out to support us.”
This year’s ride was particularly meaningful for the Sheriff’s Office following the recent establishment of Special Olympics Chatham County, a new local chapter that will provide additional opportunities for athletes in Chatham County to participate in sports training and competition.
The ride also followed Sheriff Maynor’s participation in an Over the Edge rappel in downtown Raleigh on Friday, which helped kick off a weekend dedicated to supporting Special Olympics North Carolina and celebrating the new local chapter.
“We’re excited about what the future holds for Special Olympics in Chatham County,” Sheriff Maynor said. “Events like Cruisin’ for Champions show what’s possible when our community gets behind a cause and works together. We look forward to building on this momentum and creating even more opportunities for our local athletes.”
The Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to the many businesses and organizations whose generous sponsorships helped make the event possible.
Intrepid Build served as the presenting sponsor ($3,500), with Carolina Civil Works and Caviness Farms serving as co-presenting sponsors ($2,000).
The event’s silver sponsors ($500) were Aromatic Roasters, Barnes Towing, Bear Creek Arsenal, Connie Fenner State Farm, Cox’s Harley-Davidson, FirstHealth, Hinkle’s Alignment, LDP Diesel, NC State Parks, North Chatham Fire Department, SAS Transport, Superior Fence & Rail and Yeargan’s Automotive.
The CCSO also thanks its bronze sponsors ($250): American Service Center, Auto Brokers, Behavioral Innovations, Bennett Farm Supply, Biscuitville, Bojangles, Cackalacky, Competitive Cycles, Cycle Center Honda, Cycle Gear, Doherty’s, Down Town Café, Hardee’s, Harris Beverage, Honda Suzuki, J&M Paint & Body, James River Equipment, Journey Church/M25, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Periwinkle on Chatham, R&R Gutter, Radio PBO, Red’s Boat & RV Storage, Rufus’ and Westlake Ace Hardware.
“We cannot thank our sponsors enough for believing in this event and in the mission of Special Olympics,” said SSgt. Anthony Norton, who oversaw the event. “Their generosity, along with the support of our riders, volunteers and the community, helps make a difference in the lives of athletes across North Carolina and right here in Chatham County.”
The CCSO also thanks everyone who participated in the ride, volunteered their time, helped organize the event and came out to support the riders and Special Olympics athletes.
The success of this year’s Cruisin’ for Champions continues a tradition that began last year, when the inaugural ride drew 121 motorcyclists and raised more than $11,000 for Special Olympics North Carolina.
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office looks forward to continuing its partnership with Special Olympics North Carolina and supporting opportunities for athletes throughout the state and in Chatham County.