Support Athletes Like Sam at Cadence Cycling Foundation Gala Nov 14th

For the past five years, Cadence Cycling Foundation has held an annual fall gala to honor the hard work and achievements of its athletes. Now that the Cadence Cycling Foundation is part of the Bicycle Coalition, we are inviting Bicycle Coalition supporters and members to join us for this special evening!

What sorts of achievements are we talking about? Speaking at the gala will be Sam Cowans, a 20-year old Philadelphia native and graduate of the Cadence Cycling Foundation. Here are excerpts from his story:

Samuel Cowans grew up in the Carroll Park section of West Philadelphia. He surmounted a difficult family situation to attend Mastery Charter School - Shoemaker Campus, where he joined the cycling team there after meeting Cadence Cycling Foundation co-founder Ryan Oelkers in tenth grade.

Sam immediately took to cycling, finding in it both a passion and a motivational force which broadened his horizons and vastly expanded his expectations for himself. He rode for Cadence Cycling Foundation's Shoemaker team until he graduated from high school.

Sam is now both a Cadence Cycling Foundation coach and a student at Bucknell University, studying economics and racing for Bucknell's "A" cycling team. He plans on becoming a professional cyclist by age 25, with his competitive sights set on the Olympics and grand tours. When cycling ends, he intends on pursuing economic development work in undeserved communities like the one he grew up in. About himself he writes: "My mission is to be the most model and upstanding individual that I can possibly be. I strive to be a positive role model and to leave a lasting positive impact on most people I come into contact with, regardless of age, race, ethnicity or whatever else someone may identify as."



Join us this Thursday to hear about and celebrate the accomplishments of Sam and other Cadence Foundation athletes, and support the program that gives these young men and women the chance to thrive. 



Cadence Cycling Foundation's Annual Gala
Thursday, November 14th
Wells Fargo Center (Park in Lot E; entrance on right)
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Purchase your ticket online

The evening will feature cocktails and a buffet dinner, and we will be honoring Richard Phillips (CEO, Pilot Freight Services). Dress will be business, and speakers include the aforementioned Sam Cowans and Philadelphia Eagles DE Damion Square.