Media Advisory
 
Halifax Woman Set to Race 1,150 Kilometres Across Portugal for KidSport™

HALIFAX, NS (April 21, 2010) – Championship mountain biker Suzie Keténé will spend nine days self-navigating forest tracks, dirt roads, and steep cliff-top single tracks as she competes in a stage raced called the Trans Portugal Garmin to raise money for KidSport™. Ketene is one five Canadians competing in the field of 65, and one of only six women in the world.

“I wanted to give back,” says Keténé, who states her goals as ‘modest.’ “I would like to raise $1,150 - one dollar for every kilometer of the race. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had a life filled with organized team and individual sports, and I could not imagine a child’s life without such critical team-building and healthy activity.” Kidsport™ eliminates financial barriers that prevent some kids from being able to participate in sport.

During the race, Keténé will climb a total of 24,500 metres, including the highest point in Portugal, the Serre de Estrela mountain range with an altitude of 1,992 metres. There are no markers, no arrows, and no vehicles to direct Keténé, who will use a GPS and be self-supported in terms of food, water, and mechanical issues.

A seasoned cyclist, Keténé’s mountain biking accomplishments include provincial titles in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec, a National title and a top ten world championship finish.

Who:      Championship mountain biker Suzie Keténé

What:      KidSport™ fundraiser - mountain bike stage race

Where:    Race begins in Braganca (northeast Portugal) and finishes in Sagres (southwest Portugal)

When:     April 30th – May 9th, 2010

Online secure donations can be made by credit card at: https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/KidSportCanada/OnlineDonation.html (indicate in the comments field: Suzie Ketene’s fundraiser for KidSport™).

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For more information please contact:    
Suzie Keténé                    
Tel: 902-229-8662                
E-mail: zzooom@gmail.com        

OR

Dave Wagg
Coordinator, KidSport™
Tel: 902-425-5450
e-mail: dwagg@sportnovascotia.ca

About Kidsport™:
KidSport™ Nova Scotia provides funding of up to $300/year/child for sport registration and/or equipment. In operation since 1994, KidSport™ Nova Scotia has assisted over 11,300 children totalling over $2 Million. In 2009 KidSport™ Nova Scotia allocated over $446,000 to more than 1,749 children from Sydney to Yarmouth.

About TransPortugal Garmin Mountain Bike Race:
The first TransPortugal race was held in 2003. In 2006, 24 participants included Keith Bontrager, of the Bontrager bicycle components fame. The race was conceived by 59-year old Antonio Malvar, an avid mountain biker. The original race was under 1,000 km in distance and spanned eight days. It currently draws participation from around the world.