Len Leshem ‘riding’ to Orlando

Len Leshem is riding to Orlando, Fla., but you won’t find him on the roads along the East Coast. Rather, he can found on a stationary bike at the Sussex Family YMCA in Rehoboth Beach.

Leshem, 84, is riding south virtually to raise money for Special Olympics Delaware, which will send a team to the USA Games in Orlando in 2022. As of Nov. 3, Leshem has ridden 141 miles, with 789 miles to go.

For the past 31 years, he has completed running races, swims, cycling events, biathlons and triathlons to raise money for Special Olympics Delaware in Hawaii, New Zealand, Florida and Arizona, to name a few places. He has also raised money by competing in the Boston Marathon and swimming across the Chesapeake Bay. To date, he has raised more than $200,000 for Special Olympics Delaware.

This year’s fundraiser will have him riding 930 miles. His efforts have already raised more than $10,000 for Team Delaware, which will send a 44-member delegation to Disney World next June for the competition.

Two of those athletes met with Leshem Oct. 26 at the YMCA during one of his rides. Katya Bowers of Millville will play tennis at the games. While she’s played for seven years, she said she continues to enjoy learning new ways to get better. She plays both singles and doubles, but prefers singles play.

“I’m super excited and also nervous because I’ve never been to such a big place before,” she said.

Rory DiLouie of Lewes has played bocce since fall 2017. He has won a gold medal at the state games and is looking forward to traveling to Florida. He said he feels honored to be selected to attend the games, and he’s excited to meet people from throughout the country.

The Special Olympics USA Games are held every four years. The 2022 event will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean. More than 10,000 volunteers will fill in excess of 20,000 volunteer shifts during the week. It is anticipated more than 125,000 families, friends and spectators will witness the athletic accomplishments in 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports, centered at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Athletes were selected for Team Delaware based on their performances at the most recent state-level competitions. Athletes winning gold medals in their sport were randomly selected with the exception of basketball, which held an open tryout. Coaches were selected through an application process.  

To donate to Leshem’s effort, go to give.classy.org/lewes-orlando.