The Guardians scoreboard shows VeloSano and Bike to Cure messaging during the 2024 season.
The Cleveland Guardians, a founding partner of VeloSano Bike to Cure, has been in the game since the beginning. The over a decade-long dedication and the enthusiasm they bring have made an incredible impact on our cancer communities. It’s that unwavering commitment that has earned them this year’s esteemed All-In VeloSano award.
When VeloSano Bike to Cure began 11 years ago, the first to step up to the plate was Bart Swain, the Director of Baseball Information and Player Relations. When Bart isn’t handling game notes, press releases and player interviews, he’s rallying fans, families and folks in the Guardians organization to join his team and raise money for cancer research as their VeloSano Team Captain. He does all of this during busy spring training through the end of the MLB season.
Cleveland Guardians Chairman and CEO Paul Dolan recognized VeloSano as an important initiative from the start, and he knew Bart was the person for the job due to his healthy habit of biking to work and his personal connection to cancer.
The Guardians’ spirit of giving is felt both beyond the ballpark and within its walls. Each year, VeloSano Day at Progressive Field offers baseball fans and VeloSano Bike to Cure participants a fun way to contribute to cancer research as $5 from each ticket goes toward dollars raised.
“These past 11 great years have changed my life,” says Bart. “VeloSano is a passion that I deeply care about, and it’s a blessing to work with such great people.”
Since 2014, the team has raised nearly $2.4 million to support lifesaving cancer research at Cleveland Clinic. With 26 riders in their first year to 109 riders and 4 virtual fundraisers in 2024, they’ve been swinging for the fences ever since. The Guardians continues to be one of the top three fundraising VeloSano Bike to Cure teams each year.
The VeloSano Bike to Cure (2024) Cleveland Guardians Team.
“I can’t say enough about all of our loyal riders that come back year after year and the passion they bring,” says Bart. “Everyone is touched by cancer, so giving back to such a great and worthy cause really warms your heart and gives you a lot of pride.”
The All-In VeloSano award celebrates the extraordinary efforts and contributions of a team or individual to VeloSano cancer research at Cleveland Clinic. The Cleveland Guardians, a true pillar of our community, embodies going above and beyond in the fight against cancer.
Team Cleveland Guardians received the 2024 All-In VeloSano award in December.
“Bart has really built our team into what it has become,” says Paul Dolan, Cleveland Guardians Chairman and CEO. “I’m proud of this team and what it achieves.”
“This is a tremendous honor for us, but the real heroes are the people behind the scenes and those affected by cancer,” says Bart. “Hopefully, one day, we will find a cure. Maybe these are the steps that lead to that.”
100% For The Cure
