HeartLand Tour 2009 begins in Yarmouth

The tour is a public awareness initiative aimed at educating Nova Scotians about cardiovascular disease. The tour covers more than 900 kilometres from one end of the province to the other.

D'Entremont, who has suffered from a cardiac condition called atrial fibrillation since he was 29, will be taking part in the entire event from July 12-19. "This tour is a great way to get out there and raise awareness," said d'Entremont. "We have a responsibility to make sure Nova Scotians are made aware of conditions like cardiovascular disease." "Getting involved with the Heartland Tour is a fun way to send a very important message about taking preventative measures", added d'Entremont. "Anything we can do that promotes healthy living and enjoy ourselves at the same time is a worthwhile cause."

D'Entremont is encouraging other Nova Scotians to come out to join the tour when it visits the different regions of Nova Scotia.

The tour begins in Yarmouth on Sunday and visits Wolfville, Bridgewater, Truro, Sydney, Antigonish, New Glasgow and Halifax for over 900 kilometres of cycling during the week.

Sunday’s opening leg in Yarmouth is scheduled to get underway at 9 a.m. at the Grand Hotel.

Various waterfront activities, including musical entertainment, are planned Sunday in Yarmouth in conjunction with the tour.