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Mayor Bob O'Connor and Venture Outdoors Christen Hydrobikes — Pittsburghers Invited To Ride The Rivers (Pittsburgh, PA - May 19, 2006) Mayor Bob O'Connor and Venture Outdoors today christened a fleet of four Hydrobikes, naming them after the Monongahela, the Ohio and the Allegheny, and a species of aquatic life that have recently returned to the rivers around the city of Pittsburgh - the Mayfly. "The history of the three rivers reflects the city of Pittsburgh itself," said Mayor Bob O'Connor. "As we continue to meet the challenge of cleaning the rivers, people are rediscovering the vitality and energy the rivers bring to the region.""Hydrobikes are more than a new recreational activity, they provide a new way for Pittsburghers to discover and learn about our three rivers," said Venture Outdoors Executive Director, Wes Posvar. "We are excited to have the hydrobikes available at this year's Venture Outdoors Festival." The Hydrobikes will be available at the Sixth Annual Venture Outdoors Festival for anyone who would like to try them, tomorrow, Saturday, May 20, rain or shine, on Pittsburgh's Great Lawn and along the Allegheny River directly in front of Heinz Field from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Following the Festival, the hydrobikes will be available for rental through October 31st at Kayak Pittsburgh, located on the North Side, under the Roberto Clemente Bridge. The Venture Outdoors Festival, sponsored by UPMC Health Plan, is a free event where individuals and families can sample the many outdoor activities available in our region. In addition to hydrobiking, the festival features canoeing, kayaking, biking, dragon boats, rock climbing, inline skating, fishing, and more. Participants can hone their skills or try these activities for the first time — with experienced instructors to provide guidance — and learn where to enjoy these activities all season long. "UPMC Health Plan is proud to be the title sponsor for Venture Outdoors," said Michael Taylor, executive director of Marketing and Communications for UPMC Health Plan. "This event is a wonderful opportunity for families in Western Pennsylvania to discover the diversity and richness of the recreational activities available in our own back yard. As a Health Plan, we are always looking to support programs that encourage healthy lifestyles and we're excited to support Venture Outdoors efforts. We hope everyone enjoys this special day and discovers the pleasures our region can offer on a daily basis." Venture Outdoors Festival 2006 Over 90 different clubs and organizations will exhibit, and provide information about, regional outdoor recreational opportunities in the region. Local outdoor shops will also be on hand selling the latest gear. In addition to the physical activities, there will be kids' activities and tours of the river on the discovery vessel, the Pittsburgh Voyager. Also during the festival will be the presentation of the VO ROCS (Venture Outdoors Recreation and Outdoor Community Steward) Award. The award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to promote outdoor recreation in the region. Plenty of parking will be available (special event rate: $5). Where: Pittsburgh's North Shore Riverfront Park- near Heinz FieldVenture Outdoors Organizational Overview The mission of Venture Outdoors is to get people outside. By getting people outdoors, we create a healthier, more active lifestyle; a better appreciation for Pittsburgh as a great place to live, work and play; and a reason for people to care about the environment and the places where they live. Venture Outdoors fulfills this mission by leading more than 800 outings per year; training trip leaders; providing information on where to go, how to participate and what other organizations are involved in these activities; and hosting several large annual events where we can build an identifiable outdoor community in western PA. More information about Venture Outdoors or the Festival is available at www.ventureoutdoors.org or by calling 412-255-0564 (M-F 9-5). About our Sponsor: UPMC Health Plan, a leading health care benefits company located in Western Pennsylvania, is owned by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), one of the nation's top-ranked health systems. As part of an integrated health care delivery system, UPMC Health Plan partners with UPMC and other network providers to improve clinical outcomes as well as the health of the greater community. The National Committee for Quality Assurance and U.S. News & World Report listed UPMC Health Plan as the top ranked health plan in Pennsylvania, and one of the top-20 health plans in the United States.
Contact Venture Outdoors: Michael Sobkowiak 412-255-0564x25, 412 225-7120 (cell) |
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