Its Here Everyone!

So as you can see, this is only the 4^th post on our blog. We have saved our blogging for the trip so we can focus on sharing our story of understanding and acceptance with you guys. You can expect a blog (or two!) a day, so please keep checking back to hear about us. As for right now, we are all at airports waiting to catch our flights to Glasgow. Before we officially begin, here are some things to know about Awareness Europe before we get underway!

Currently there are four of us heading to Europe! Each of us will be contributing to this blog, and the writer of each post will sign off with their name so you know who is writing what! Although its only four headed to Europe, the Awareness Europe team is comprised of 8 Pi Kappa Phis – 7 from Texas Christian University and 1 from The University of Iowa. The four headed to Europe are Hunter Sprague (Project Manager & Cyclist), Addison White (Cyclist), Jay Baumgardner (Cyclist), and Ethan Collins (Crew Chief), Ethan is the Pi Kappa phi from The University of Iowa. Four other guys were crucial to the success of our team, but unfortunately were unable to cycle with us in Europe. Garret Grimes created our incredible logo and was in charge of all of our T-shirt and Jersey designs. Tim Cason created our social media pages and oversees our social media activities. Matt Riesen and Graham McMillan both helped in the planning process of the trip. The eight of us have worked very hard in planning the trip and now that we are merely 3 days away from beginning our trek, we could not be more excited. We also wanted to say a big “Thank You!” to everyone who has supported us! A special thanks to our donors, especially our two corporate sponsors Ann Arbor T Shirt Company and Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS). Ann Arbor T Shirt Company is operated by a Pi Kappa Phi from The University of Michigan and has given us discounted printed jerseys and team t-shirts helping us give more money to people with disabilities. Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) has donated $5,000 and is our executive sponsor. Their help has ensured that we can cover all of our costs and, more importantly, allow us to give even more money to people with disabilities. KinderFrogs School and the Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County each gave us $1,000 – and we could not be more proud to have their support. Thanks again for all your support, everyone! We start this coming Monday! Please keep us in your prayers and wish us the best.

- Hunter Sprague