Seattle Storm co-owner Ginny Gilder to participate in Pedal for Pat initiative

Seattle Storm co-owner Ginny Gilder has joined the Pedal for Pat initiative, an over-1,000-mile bike race to benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation. Every mile of the race represents one of Summitt’s 1,098 career wins.

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The initiative is designed to give 12 cyclists the opportunity to take part in a day-long leg of the journey, which will run from Oct. 17 to Oct. 28. It begins at Pat Summitt’s statue in Knoxville, TN and ends in Key West, FL.

Gilder’s goal is to raise $15,000, with the first $10,000 being matched by an anonymous donor. Suggested donations, naturally, begin at $10.98. You can get involved here.

In a release from the Storm on Tuesday, Gilder said:

"“I’m irate that [Summitt] was cut down too early by a disease that not only robs its victims of precious years, but also strips away their memories and stories, and their ability to retain connection with those they love. Pat was an inspiration when she was alive, and she continues to serve as one. She was tough and engendered tough.”"

Gilder, a Title IX pioneer, has the athletic experience to meet the cycling challenge ahead. She was a four-year varsity rower at Yale and represented the United States on four national teams, including two Olympic teams.

Pedal for Pat founder Joshua Crisp expressed his excitement for having Gilder on board:

"“Ginny’s background as an elite athlete and leader naturally make her a great fit for our event, but more than that, Ginny lives out the values that Coach Pat embraced every day. Ginny’s commitment reflects her work ethic, resilience and passion for giving back. With Ginny, and the Seattle Storm, joining the Pedal for Pat team, we will indeed accomplish much more together.”"

The Pat Summitt Foundation designates 100 percent of its grant funding to the Pat Summitt Clinic. You can learn more about the foundation and Pedal for Pat here.