Kate Ryan, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Five years after the deadliest campus shooting in the nation’s history, a 100-mile bike ride and fundraiser will be held to remember those killed and injured at Virginia Tech.
The VTV Remembrance Century Challenge is being organized by the Virginia Tech Victims Family Outreach Foundation.
Omar Samaha, whose sister Reema was killed in the shootings on April 16, 2007, says the money raised will continue the foundation’s work, including outreach to families across the country who have been affected by gun violence.
The Samahas grew up in Centerville, Va.
Samaha says he and a cousin came up with a bike ride as a fundraiser because cycling is an activity they both enjoy.
“It’s something we can do as a group, and cycling through the hills of Blacksburg is beautiful, especially around this time of year,” he says.
He adds his late sister Reema, an accomplished dancer, also enjoyed biking.
“It’s something we grew up doing,” he says.
Along with the 100-mile ride, Samaha says there is a shorter, 32-mile loop.
The event will kick off at the Inn at Virginia Tech and will be held on Saturday, April 28. The ride will end with a memorial service. Later, participants and volunteers will be served a barbecue dinner on the Virginia Tech Drill Field.
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