Clara Hughes reaches Winnipeg during cross-country ride for mental health
The six-time Olympian's Big Ride for Mental Health raises funds and awareness
Six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes cycled into her hometown of Winnipeg today as part of her bike ride across the country to raise funds and awareness about mental health.
A crowd gathered in the wind and rain to greet Hughes at the Clara Hughes Recreation Park Saturday.
Hughes cycled to Winnipeg from Portage la Prairie Saturday as part of Clara’s Big Ride — a 110-day cycling tour across much of Canada to support mental health services.
Hughes thanked everyone for their love and support, talking about how it felt to ride into the city today.
"It was amazing rolling into Winnipeg today in the rain and the wind and I just thought this is so perfect because what we're riding for is struggle," she said.
"So many people experience it alone because they feel the stigma attached to mental illness and I just thought we have to keep putting one foot in front of the other."
Hughes has dealt with depression in the past, getting medical health and working to make sure others do as well.
She will be at a social tonight at the Manitoba Museum in support of the cause.