ROCKINGHAM — Community members will be turning their tires Saturday to raise money for the Special Olympics.

The Buddy Roe’s 8th Annual Bike Ride for Richmond County Special Olympics will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rockingham Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, located at 106 Old River Road in Rockingham.

Registration for the event will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will cost $15 for the “Single Package,” which includes registration for one rider, a T-shirt, and 10 50/50 raffle tickets. There also is a “Double Package” for $20 that includes registration for two riders, two T-shirts, and 10 50/50 raffle tickets. Those in attendance also will have the chance to win door prizes.

There will be a live auction during the daylong event, with all proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics.

The event was founded by Buddy Roebuck, owner of Buddy Roe’s Bar in Rockingham, in honor of his niece, Lisa Horner, who is an active participant in the Special Olympics of Richmond County.

The event raised more than $5,000 last year, said Sarah Thompson, the event’s coordinator.

“This year I hope we can raise the same amount or more,” Thompson said. “This is the first year we are having the bike ride after the Special Olympics, so I will present the check to Theressa Smith (Special Olympics of Richmond County coordinator) personally, and not during the games on Thursday.”

More than 60 riders participated in last year’s fundraiser, and Thompson hopes more will take part this weekend, including athletes from the Special Olympics.

“We are really trying to encourage the athletes to come out and participate this year,” she said.

The funds generated by the event are from individual donations, registration fees, a 50/50 raffle, T-shirt sales, a barbecue plate sale, and sponsorships from area businesses, Thompson said.

Call Robin Roberts at 910-995-2889 or Sarah Thompson at 910-299-6311 for more information.

By Nolan Gilmour

[email protected]

Reach Nolan Gilmour at 910-506-3171