4Wheels4Sean - Media Release 18 May 2007

Australia’s peak cycling bodies launch 4Wheels4Sean Australia’s peak cycling organisations Cycling Australia (CA), The Bicycle Federation of Australia (BFA), Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) and BMX Australia (BMXA) have recently combined to launch 4Wheels4Sean as a national charity dedicated to assisting severely injured cyclists.

The foundation’s objective is; “To raise funds from the public by way of donations, sponsorship and the conduct of competitions for the sole purpose of providing financial assistance by way of the gift of money or chattels to permanent residents of Australia who the Trustees identify are in a position of financial need and are in necessitous circumstances as a result of a severe disability acquired whilst cycling.”

Many cyclists, particularly mountain bikers, will recall that 4Wheels4Sean was launched in 2001 with a goal of providing $50,000 for a specially adapted vehicle for Sean Fitzgerald. Sean, a keen cyclist, was made a quadriplegic in a mountain bike accident.

“Sean was presented with his vehicle in 2003 and the fund continued to provide for Australian cyclists in a small way for some years after.” explained Huw Kingston, Founder of 4Wheels4Sean and Chairman of the charity. “However in recent years the trustees of the ‘old’ 4Wheels4Sean just did not have the time to drive the charity forward and a decision was made to close it late in 2006.

At the 11th hour Cycling Australia were in touch and suggested the charity continue.” The other peak cycling organizations, representing recreational and competitive cycling in Australia fully supported a plan to get behind the charity. Each organisation now nominates a board member to 4Wheels4Sean.

“This is a wonderful outcome for Australian cycling and what is most encouraging is that CA, MTBA, BMX and BFA are enthusiastically working together to position 4Wheels4Sean as ‘THE’ charity supporting cyclists injured cycling. 4Wheels4Sean complements the Amy Gillett Foundation, whose primary role is in injury prevention”, Kingston added. The re-launch was given added impetus by the serious spinal injuries suffered by BMX World Silver Medalist, Renee Junga and Australian National Road Champion, Paul Crake in late 2006.

In the coming months 4Wheels4Sean will be fully operational with its own website, criteria for funding and opportunities for fundraising.

For further information please contact Huw Kingston 0418 977609, info@4wheels4sean.com.au