FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNCASVILLE, Conn. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter is shifting into high gear as it prepares to host the 2007 Mohegan Sun MS Bike Tour on Saturday, Sept. 15 and Sunday, Sept. 16, which starts and finishes at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

For a second year, Darren Kramer, WTNH News Channel 8 news anchor, has been named Grand Marshal and will attend the finish line celebration. Kramer first joined WTNH in 1999, where he anchored the morning and noon broadcasts and returned to WTNH News Channel 8 after a little more than three years in Chicago. Kramer and WTNH News Channel 8 partnered with the Greater Connecticut Chapter for numerous events throughout 2007 to include the chapter’s walk event, Women Against MS luncheon and one-day bike tour.

"News Channel 8 is dedicated to helping different charities throughout Connecticut," said Kramer. "The National MS Society events are especially important to me and my family, because my mother-in-law battles the effects of multiple sclerosis."

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents have multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic and often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Over the past 12 years, more than 1,600 cyclists have pedaled more than 200,000 miles to raise approximately $850,000 to help raise funds for local chapter programs and services and scientific research to find a cure for multiple sclerosis.

The newest addition to this year’s event is the "Ticket to Ride" program. Each paid registrant is eligible to bring on three new riders for FREE. The $80 registration fee will be waived for each new rider. Participants will still be required for the $300 fundraising minimum.

"We are less than six weeks away from the tour and are already on our way to a record-breaking year," said Amanda Barry, chapter development coordinator. "Many new riders are on board and we are close to exceeding our enrollment goal. We are pleased with the success of the Ticket To Ride program and continue to encourage new riders to register and join."

The two-day tour will start and finish at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., on Saturday, Sept. 15, and Sunday, Sept. 16, and will include an overnight stay at Incarnation Camp in Ivoryton, Conn., where cyclists will be met with various activities, including a lakeside beer tasting. Participants can opt to complete 25-, 50-, or 75-mile route on each day. Routes wind through southeastern Connecticut’s breathtaking shoreline and countryside. A finish line celebration at Mohegan Sun will feature live music and a down home barbeque hosted by Mohegan Sun.

Pre-registration is available online at www.ctfightsMS.org. The registration fee is $80. There is also a $300 fundraising minimum per rider. All meals and the overnight stay are included.

For more information on the Mohegan Sun MS Bike Tour, visit www.ctfightsMS.org, or tune to KISS 95.7 FM, 97.7 WCTY Country Favorites or News Channel 8/MyTV9. To volunteer or to register, please contact the Greater Connecticut Chapter at (860) 714-BIKE (714-2453).

8/9/07

NOTE TO MEDIA:

For More Information
Contact Melissa Saranitzky
Communications Coordinator
Phone: 860.714.2300, ext. 239
E-mail: msaranitzky@ctfightsMS.org