Over 50 cyclists gathered at the home of Welsh sport before setting off on a 25 mile ride from the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park via the Taff Trail to the Ynys playing fields in Aberdare.
The event is a joint venture between the Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Blues and Aberdare RFC in support of Williams, who sustained a serious spinal cord injury during the World 10s in Singapore last summer.
The ride is set to raise significant funds in Williams’ name via the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, which provides support for players in Wales who have been seriously injured in rugby.
Among those taking part in the event, alongside Owen’s father Huw and brother Gavin, is Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde who led the 2013 summer tour of Japan when four-times capped youngster made his senior international debut.
McBryde jumped at the chance to saddle up for the bike ride which represents Williams’ career from club to country via the home grounds of Wales, Cardiff Blues and Aberdare.
“It is wonderful to be part of such a fitting fundraiser for Owen whose positive manner throughout his injury has been nothing short of inspirational to everyone involved in the game. To see the rugby community coming together like this is an absolute pleasure and, more importantly, it’s a huge testament to a great young man.”
For those who enjoy today’s cycle challenge, Chief Executive at Cardiff Blues, Richard Holland previewed an even bigger sporting challenge for Ows in the 2015 calendar: “This is the first part of two planned charity bike rides for Owen, with another from Cardiff to Paris in June as part of the #StayStrongForOws fundraising and awareness campaign.”
While Aberdare Club Secretary John Wrangham, who was also present at the Millennium Stadium for today’s event, pointed to an exciting line-up of local fundraisers in Aberdare.
“The event is part of an ongoing fund raising programme that is being organised by the club in partnership with the Aberdare Community,” he said. “These include a concert with local artists and ‘Only Boys Aloud’ plus a golf competition promoted by Aberdare Golf Club.”
Further details will be release via the websites of Cardiff Blues and Aberdare RFC in due course. Fans can keep up to date and interact on twitter at any time using the official hashtag #staystrongforows
