Motorcycle Ride for Dad co-founder returns home to ride
There was a distinguished guest participant at the fifth anniversary edition of the Telus Motorcycle Ride for Dad in Swift Current on Saturday.
Swift Current born Garry Janz, who co-founded the Ride For Dad along with Bryon Smith in 2000, participated in his first ride in his former stomping grounds. He admitted he was quite impressed by Swift Current’s ride, one of just two in Saskatchewan.
“The people here, Brent (Watson) and his wife Jackie, and all the people that they have surrounded themselves with. This is a class act. I’ve been to rides all across the country - Ride for Dad events - this one is so well organized and it runs like clockwork because of all the preparation. I’m very impressed with the organization here.”
“I’m just so honoured to be able to come here for this reason, and all the other warm feelings that come along with it are just an added attraction,” Janz said of his homecoming.
Janz pointed out that the very first Ride For Dad raised $20,000 and just over 80 riders participated. In the ensuing 18 years the movement has become Canada wide, and they have raised over $27 million in support of prostate cancer research and awareness.
Proceeds from the Ride For Dad support the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation, and the money stays close to home from where it is raised.
“Prostate Cancer is everywhere. And we’re across the country now. But the money stays where the money is raised. And so the money raised here stays in this area to benefit the people here. That’s something that Ride For Dad has been very proud of over the years.”
Janz was born in Swift Current, raised in Main Centre, and he went to high school in Herbert. He was admittedly thrilled to participate in Swift Current’s fifth annual ride.
“I’m so proud to be here to help them celebrate their fifth anniversary. After today they will have raised over a quarter of a million dollars for research and awareness.”
“I’ve loved coming back here. I haven’t been here for a long time. It’s so good to be here.”