Cherokee Nation Chief Celebrity Rider for American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

TULSA, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith has been named the celebrity rider for the American Diabetes Association’s annual Tour de Cure. Chief Smith and hundreds of other riders will take part in the charity bike ride June 4.

Chief Smith (l) named Celebrity Rider in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure

“It’s no secret that diabetes disproportionately strikes Native Americans,”

said Chief Smith. “We hope that by joining Tour de Cure, we raise awareness among our people and all Oklahomans, that a healthy lifestyle can dramatically decrease a person’s chances of developing diabetes.”

More than 400 cyclists from eastern Oklahoma will also join the ride. The charity event is supported by thousands of riders from across the country with tours in more than 80 cities.

Teams of riders from the Cherokee Nation will join Chief Smith as he rides to raise money and awareness for diabetes research.

“I encourage our Cherokee people, as well as all Oklahomans to support the ride by joining a team, or coming out to cheer on all the riders who are generously donating their time and money to this cause,” said Smith.

“Every mile we ride and every dollar we raise makes a difference in the fight against diabetes.”

The Cherokee Team website » has been created for people who want to join or support Chief Smith and the Cherokee Team, as well as get safety tips from Cherokee cyclist Ashley French. The site also contains tips on how to curb the instance of diabetes by living a healthy, active lifestyle from the Cherokee Nation Diabetes Prevention Program.

To join the Chief’s team or support Cherokee riders, visit Cherokee Team website »

posted June 1, 2011 7:53 am et