RIDING TO END POLIO – Paul Milward of La Mirada will join as many as 9,000 riders such as those pictured here in El Tour de Tucson to raise money to end polio throughout the world.
La Mirada resident Paul Milward will be representing the Rotary Club of La Mirada as a rider in El Tour de Tucson, an annual 100 mile bicycle race in Arizona to raise funds to end polio.
Milward will join Rotary General Secretary John Hewko and more than 9,000 cyclists raising funds for PolioPlus on November 21. The team’s goal is $3.4 million, which will be tripled by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for a total of more than $10 million.
Although not a Rotarian, Milward takes Rotary’s quest to end polio throughout the world very personally. His father, Charles Milward, was afflicted by the disease. The elder Milward was a successful Santa Fe Springs businessman for many years until his death a few years ago.
“I saw how my father suffered with the impacts of polio for many years, and no one should have to face this terrible disease,” said Milward. “We are so close to eliminating polio throughout the world, and we need to continue Rotary’s push to reach this important goal.”
Last year’s team raised over $7 million, and generous contributions by individuals, businesses and Rotary Districts were a big part of that success.
El Tour de Tucson is one of the top cycling events in the U.S., attracting Rotarians from Arizona and around the world.
Contributions to support Milward’s 100 mile ride to end polio can be sent to the Rotary Club of La Mirada at P.O. Box 248, La Mirada, CA 90637-0248. Checks should be made payable to the Rotary Foundation.