TEAN/I SPIRITShaker SWAT Teary, Citizens Police Academy Alumni use pedal powerto help conquer multiple sclerosis

Eight years ago, four cyclists led by

Team Captain George Gelehrter, a

gerontologist and Citizen Police

Academy alumnus, biked 50 miles

in sun and rain to raise money for

multiple sclerosis (MS) r..ictims. As

a fledgling team representing the

Police Department, they raised

$3,000, winning a Bronze Ar.vard

for their efforts. Last year, ten

cyclists upped the team's ante to

150 miles and raised $10,000,bringing their team total to over

$50,000 since the first event.ttltts a great cause,tt said

Commander Mike Schrvarber, r'r'ho

cycles wdth his rvife Patty. "Thedisease is so prevalent that everv-

one is touched by it somehoi,r.i

We've had great support from the

Citizens Police Academrl the

Shaker 100, the police union ancl

Police Department members. The

lr'hole SWAT team helps withdonations and fundraising; rve

were one of the highest fundraising

teams last year."

Multiple sclerosis, which afflicts

more than 250,000 Americans ofall ages, is a chronic, unpredictable

neurological disease that attacks

The SHPD SWAT Bike Team has raised $50,000 for multiple sclerosis research.

Last year's team included: (Top, left to right) Commander Mike Schwarber, PaitySchwarber, Frank Holowach, George Gelehrter, Kyle Hamilton and David Gelehrter;(Front) Cpl. Ken Gozelanczyk and Lt. Jim Mariano. (Not pictured: Ptl. Brian Paul

and Pam Williams).

the central nervous system.

The MS Bike Tour, that has so

lar raised 6vg1 $45 million for

research and treatment, is the

largest organizecl crcling event in

the country. Last yeaq nearl,v

80,000 o-clists participated. In its1Sth year, Ohio's Bike Tour, rvhich

r,r'inds a pastoral route lrom Berea

Fairgrounds to the Sandusru'- fin-

ishing point, is the largest in the

state; this year's event is on August

21 and 22. To sponsor the team,

call Lt. Mariano at 491-2535.- Felicit;,HiLL