Ferragonio Distributing Company of Export

Corporate Sponsor of Special Olympics Westmoreland County Cycling Program.

The cycling program, started in 2000, provides cycling training to Special Olympics athletes from May thru August, two days per week, two hours per day. The athletes ride in groups for distances ranging from six to twelve miles per training session.

All equipment is provided free of charge to both the athletes and the volunteers who ride along with the athletes, including bicycles, helmets and water bottles. The program currently has a fleet of 22 standard 21 speed bicycles, nine adult three-wheel bicycles and four standard 21 speed bicycles with adult training wheels.

In 2006, the program completed construction of a 660 square foot cycling training facility near Youngwood, Pennsylvania.

In addition to the athletes and volunteers, the athletes’ families and friends are invited to join the program and this gives them the opportunity to become more involved in the activities of the athletes.

Ferragonio Distributing Company has supported Special Olympics for more than eleven years after being introduced to the organization through business contacts.

"When I realized the extent of the positive impact that Special Olympics has on not only the athletes and their families but also the community, I wanted to provide FDC’s support anyway I could," said Joseph Ferragonio when talking about his first impression of the organization. "When I attended my first event as a medal presenter, I saw the effort that the athletes showed and how proud their families were. This is especially true with the cycling program. Since we are a family-owned business, I know first hand what it is like to work closely with family each day. And with the cycling program, it is not only the athletes who benefit but also their families and friends, and ultimately the community."

To find out more about the Cycling Program, visit www.westspol.org/cycling.htm