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The chance has come once again to get active and fight diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association’s annual Tour de Cure is scheduled for May 1 and will once again be in a virtual setting. This fundraiser is raising money for the organization to be able to do educational programs like Project Power and Imagine Camp, research and advocacy.

For the 30th anniversary of Tour de Cure, the goal is to collectively ride 30 million miles and raise $300,000 to celebrate three decades of communities working together.

“Our 2021 Virtual Tour de Cure event is a great opportunity for everyone in Western Tidewater to sign up and set a goal to be more active,” said Deanie Eldridge, American Diabetes Association executive director. “With no registration fee for this year’s event, we hope that many residents will join us on May 1, to safely ride, run or walk in their neighborhoods or homes, to promote overall health/wellness and help raise much-needed funds for diabetes research, advocacy, and education/awareness efforts.”

In the past, the American Diabetes Association would host one big event with a designated start/finish line for the cyclists, speakers, a panel, cooking demonstrations and more. With gathering restrictions still in place due to the pandemic, the May 1 event will be held virtually. Last year, it was on Facebook. However, the American Diabetes Association is looking at a different platform to keep the segments organized and accessible on the event day.

The one thing that will not change is the teams’ participation. Roosevelt Brown has participated in Tour de Cure for the past six years. He loves the opportunity to stay healthy while meeting new people and helping a good cause.

“First of all, I enjoy cycling,” said Brown. “Also, my father passed from complications of diabetes.”

Last year, Brown decided to stop participating solo and formed a team with a few of his fraternity brothers from Omega Psi Phi. This will be the team’s second Tour de Cure as they plan to ride through Williamsburg and Jamestown on the Capital Trail.

“It’s all about brotherhood,” said Brown. “I reached out and found some brothers who had cycled in the past and some are new. It’s the chance for fellowship and to enjoy some health benefits and to see some outdoor life while cycling.”

To sign up, visit diabetes.org/virginiatdc. After registering, the online fundraising tools will help participants stay motivated while helping the 34 million Americans living with diabetes.