MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO-OP - Olympians Curt Harnett and Marnie McBean help kick off the 25th annual Becel Heart&Stroke Ride for Heart

TORONTO, April 5, 2012 /CNW/ -

WHAT: Sports celebrities, heart disease and stroke survivors and Heart and Stroke Foundation spokespeople come together to demonstrate how to get fit for the 25^th annual Ride for Heart on CYKL RealRyder™ spin bikes.

Nurses, dietitians, physical activity and smoking cessation experts will be on site to provide information on how to improve your health and to test participants' blood pressure, one of the modifiable risks for heart disease and stroke.

Becel, Ride for Heart's title sponsor, will also be offering free cholesterol tests as part of its nationwide mission to help Canadians understand the importance of cholesterol in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

WHEN: Wednesday April 11, 2012, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - rain or shine (tented areas)

WHERE: Yonge-Dundas Square, corner of Dundas and Yonge streets in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

WHO: Olympic cyclist Curt Harnett and Olympic rower and avid cyclist Marnie McBean will join Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson Dr. Marco Di Buono, Director of Philanthropy (and spin instructor), to demonstrate how to get fit for the Ride for Heart.

On hand to speak with the media and the public will be Heart and Stroke Foundation spokespeople and heart disease survivors Brian Campkin and Sheryl Gill. They will be joined by 22-year-old heart transplant recipient Maya Stern, riding and fundraising for the first time, and stroke survivor Heather Nutt, who cycles as part of her recuperation from stroke.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy. 

For further information:

Tonya Johnson, Media Relations
Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ontario
416-489-7111 x353
[email protected]