Push America’s Journey of Hope riders to stop in Las Vegas

Inspired by Bruce Rogers' ride across the United States in 1987, the southern route riders of Push America's Journey of Hope will stop in Las Vegas today and Friday.

Mayor Oscar Goodman will greet the 26 riders at noon today at Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive. The riders will put on a "Kids on the Block" puppet show for children enrolled in summer camp at the center.

The puppet show will enable children to ask questions of the puppets that they might not be comfortable asking people. After the puppet show, riders will put on a wheelchair basketball demonstration. The free programs also are open to the public, with the puppet show starting about 12:30 p.m.

On Friday, the riders will enjoy a day of fun with those enrolled in summer camp at Lorenzi Adaptive Recreation Center. The cross-country ride, which began in San Francisco June 14, raises funds and awareness for people with disabilities. The group plans to finish its ride Aug. 15 in Washington, D.C. For details on the Journey of Hope activities in Las Vegas, call (704) 996-3421.