Lighthouse International Kicks Off 5K Tandem Bike Ride/Walk to Raise Awareness of Vision Loss

NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, October 22nd, more than 500 men, women and children who are visually impaired and sighted will team up in a unique event hosted by Lighthouse International. The 5K Double Up for Vision Tandem Bike Ride/Walk, which will kick off at 10 a.m. at West 135th Street in Riverside Park and end at Pier I, (Riverside Park South and 70th Street), will feature tandem bicycles each paired with a team consisting of a visually impaired stoker and a sighted pilot in front. The event is being held to raise awareness about this growing epidemic and to alert the public that 80% of vision loss is preventable.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111021/NY91388 )

"Eighty-two percent of Americans fear losing their sight more than any of the other five senses. We invite New Yorkers to join Lighthouse International in the fight against vision loss by coming out this Saturday to walk or ride for themselves or a loved one," said Mark G. Ackermann, President and CEO of Lighthouse International, New York's leading non-profit organization dedicated to fighting vision loss.

Fairway Market will be sponsoring hot beverages and Hunts Point Produce Market will be providing produce for over 500 participants. The New York Post is also sponsoring the event.  

WHO: Over 500 Participants take part in Tandem Bike Ride/ Walk

WHAT: 5K Double Up for Vision Ride/Walk to Raise Awareness About Vision Loss

WHEN: Saturday, October 22, 2011, 10 a.m.

WHERE: West 135th Street in Riverside Park-ending at Pier I

Additional sponsors include; Young Leadership Committee of Lighthouse International, Genentech, Grant Thornton, Bayer, Edwards, Angell, Palmer & Dodge, Regeneron, United Federation of Teachers, Deutsche Bank, Fiduciary Trust International, Fabricant & Fabricant, Quinn & Feiner, Neuman's, TMBA, LARABAR, ZICO, and Enhance a Colour.

About Lighthouse International
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non profit organization dedicated to fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. It achieves this through clinical and rehabilitation services, education, research and advocacy. For more information about vision loss and its causes, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org.

SOURCE Lighthouse International