The annual Orlando ADA Tour de Cure Champions Reception was held Thursday, March 24, 2022, in honor of all the hard work the community had done for the upcoming ADA Tour de Cure ride. Fundraisers that achieve the $1,000 mark are considered “Champions”. This invitation-only event recognized these Champions, key volunteers, and sponsors.
This year the event was hosted at Jaguar Land Rover of South Orlando. Their new, state-of-the-art facility has been designed around the customer, with easy access from anywhere in Central Florida, the venue made for a memorable evening. Over 110 Champions and more than 745 participants this year contributed to the $650,000 raised. This was the highest amount yet in the history of the central Florida event.
Several special recognitions were made …
- Cesar Cesareo presented Bret Livingston with Earl Richards award. This award goes to a champion red rider every year in memory of Ear.
- TeamOne was recognized once again as a Team of Champions for the seventh year in a row. It is the only team to have achieved that status.
- The Lake Nona community has supported this event since 2010.
With great food and drink, the evening came to an end. With just a few days left before the big ride, everyone left happy, excited, and ready to make this a fabulous ride.
Champions
Each year the ADA recognizes participants who earn 
Champions status. This year marks a special accomplishment: 7 Champions to date. Out of the $650,000 raised so far for the Tour de Cure, $7,110 of that is by these Champions!
Earle E. Richards Red Rider Award
The Earle E. Richards Red Rider Award recognizes special Red Rider Champions. Earle Richards lost his battle with diabetes, but his name and memory are dear to everyone’s hearts. Bib #51 is reserved in his honor for the recipient of this award each year. Heather Nagy, the committee member, introduced this award with a bit of background, and of course her wonderful words of praise. The recipient, David W. Staples, was recognized for his amazing contributions as a 4 year Champion, Planning Committee member, and Volunteer. David also suffers from Type 2 Diabetes. He has not let this disease stop him! It was a moving experience to not only remember Earle this way but to see how David continues to fight. This kind of dedication inspires our team to keep endeavoring to do more in support of this cause.
TeamOne Smashing Records
This the 7th consecutive year TeamOne has 7 Champions and is label the “Team of Champions” for Diabetes in the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Lake Nona Tour de Cure!
TeamOne gathers riders from many areas. As in the past, several of TeamOne’s riders traveled from far distances, and much colder climates, to support the Tour de Cure and ride!
With only a few days left until the big day, excitement is growing. The rider, runners, and walkers are looking forward to Sunday and an incredible day of riding, camaraderie, and fun with maybe a little of that Florida wind thrown in!
Who is TeamOne
We have evolved into a tight-knit group of cyclists from past and present members paving a path for future members. Read the summaries below about the event in TeamOne members’ own words by selecting their linked name below.
Bob Fecteau, Diana Riley, Jodel Jerome, Jonathan Nunes, Seresaa Setzer, Susan Schmitt, Z, and honorable mention Shawn Deluca.
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