Sheffield Alcohol Support Service (SASS) would like you to get on your bike!

17th June 2014

Sass the Chambers chosen Charity of the Year have teamed up with Nonnas' La Squadra to create a unique cycling event; La Squadra Acciaio Adventure 'Acciaio', which means steel in Italian, is the inspiration behind the cycling challenge set up and run by SASS and La Squadra, Sheffield's premier cycle club, which will see teams of riders take on Holme Moss in the Peak District on September 14.

Debbie Wheeler, SASS fundraising development officer, said: -The northern side of Holme Moss is one of England's best known bicycle ascents, and has a reputation as one of the country's iconic climbs so we are expecting this to be a truly exciting event. -We're looking for companies to sponsor their employees to get 'on their bikes' and take part, or consider sponsorship of the event. We also hope individuals will get together to put forward teams Starting and finishing at Whirlowbrook Hall teams of five will ride via checkpoints at Glossop, Holme Moss and Flouch over a route to be determined themselves. There will be prizes including the fastest ride and the team taking the toughest course and a sportsman's award for the slowest team! Sheffield Chamber is supporting the event by co-hosting a Net-working event and Acciaio Adventure Launch evening at Nonnas' restaurant on Ecclesall Road on Tuesday July 1, 5pm until 7pm (click here to book). Bryan Steel 4 time Olympic cyclist & medallist will be giving a talk during the evening. This is just a few days before Tour de France Grand Départ riders pass through Holme Moss as part of the York to Sheffield leg on July 6. The Chamber is planning to put a staff team together to take part in the Acciaio Adventure, and is encouraging members to get involved either by putting a team forward or taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities. Kate Stephenson, Sheffield Chamber events manager, said: -We hope the networking event helps SASS and La Squadra sign up lots of city firms and organisations either through sponsorship or by getting them on their bike! Team entry includes limited edition La Squadra Acciaio merchandise, and post event celebration buffet and presentation evening at Whirlowbrook Hall. SASS was established over 35 years ago to provide community alcohol services for Sheffield. People who come to SASS have severe, entrenched problems as a result of alcohol misuse. They suffer a range of negative consequences, ill health, mental health problems, loss of close relationships, long-term unemployment, low self-esteem, isolation, poverty etc. often resulting in exclusion from society. Our aim is to enable people to change their lives through a range of specialist alcohol, drug and family- centred services. The Chamber announced its support for SASS as its charity of the year at the Sheffield Business Awards in December. For more information on La Squadra Acciaio Adventure call 0114 2587553, visit www.acciaioadventure.co.uk or email debbie.wheeler@sheffieldass.org.uk.