Nov 14, 2011
The Langara Falcons welcome Michael Schratter back to Vancouver
Vancouver, BC, November 14, 2011 – This weekend members of the Langara Falcons sports teams welcomed home Michael Schratter, a cyclist who has spent the last 15 months pedalling around the globe.
Ten athletes and students from the College led a warm-up for the hundreds of cyclists who joined Michael on the final leg of his journey, which ran from Langara’s campus to Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Several of those students also accompanied Michael on the final 16 kilometres of his ride.
Mr. Schratter, an elementary school teacher who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his early 20’s, organized the “Ride Don’t Hide” campaign to raise awareness about mental health issues and funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association of BC. The 42-year-old departed from Vancouver on August 1 last year, travelling 40,000 kilometres through 33 countries before returning home on Friday. The journey, which spanned six continents, took 469 days and raised nearly $70,000.
He was welcomed to the Langara campus – his final stop before the finish line – at 10:45 am on Friday to crowds of well-wishers, including Vancouver Canucks’ general manager Mike Gillis and Canucks alumni. Representatives from the Langara Falcons sports teams, along with other students from the College, led a warm-up to prepare those joining Michael for the final part of the tour.
“I really appreciate the enthusiasm from these students, and from all the others who have supported this project,” said Mr. Schratter. “When I see today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders, and their open and progressive attitudes, I know that those afflicted with mental illness will no longer be in the shadows."
Langara Human Kinetics student Constance Batore joined those cycling the final leg of Ride Don’t Hide. “This was a memorable and inspirational experience,” she said. “Michael is a great influence, with a determination to help raise awareness for the need to support the Mental Health Association that lead him to bike across six continents. This extraordinary event brought my schoolmates and people from our community together through his efforts, which were heartwarming, motivating, and unforgettable.”
Learn more.
Annie Mullins
Communications
Officer
Communications &
Marketing Services
T 604 323 5058
F 604 323 5680
amullins@langara.bc.ca