Tyler Hamilton will launch a charitable foundation in January, 2004. The Tyler Hamilton Foundation's mission is to provide opportunity and access for individuals affected by multiple sclerosis and aspiring young athletes with a passion for cycling. The Foundation plans to hold a kick-off fundraiser on Thursday, January 8, 2004 at the Cyclorama, located in Boston's South End.
“The Tyler Hamilton Foundation will champion the two causes
closest to my heart – competitive cycling and the fight against
Multiple Sclerosis,” said Hamilton. “As a young cyclist, I developed
physical strength, mental toughness, and the ability to work towards
goals that were incredibly daunting. However, it wasn't until I began
working with individuals with MS that I learned the meaning of real
courage in the face of adversity. This is my opportunity to give
something back to both of these amazing communities.”
Hamilton has actively supported the Multiple Sclerosis community
since 1996 when a friend, whose mother suffered from the disease,
introduced him to the National MS Society. Moved by the population's
collective strength, perseverance and selflessness, he helped grow the
MS Society's bike tours by developing routes, donating equipment,
providing autographed jerseys as prizes, and hosting VIP cyclist
recognition events. Today, Hamilton is Honorary Chair of the National
MS Society's “Cycling Series.”
A second and equally important aspect of the Tyler Hamilton
Foundation will be providing opportunities to aspiring young cyclists
who dream of riding and competing at the highest levels of the sport.
A characteristically under-funded and under publicized sport in the
United States, competitive cycling allows young athletes to reach new
heights of fitness, while teaching them important lessons about
sportsmanship, dedication, camaraderie, and trust.
“Both cyclists and individuals who suffer from MS are
characterized by their unwavering fortitude when facing long roads of
adversity,” said Joe Tonon, president of the Tyler Hamilton
Foundation. “Tyler's wealth of life experience, extensive network of
contacts, and high-profile status make him the ideal person to
spearhead a Foundation that meets the unique challenges of both of
these communities. Across the board, the Tyler Hamilton Foundation is
dedicated to helping others reach their dreams and goals.”
