Local Motocross Star Supports Mental Health

Monday, 14 July 2025 09:06

The light will be shed on mental health as local motocross star Tanner Ward hosts an event next month.

WOODSTOCK/WALTON - A local motocross star is shining a light on mental health.

Woodstock's very own Tanner Ward will be hosting Ride With Me at the Walton Raceway on Saturday August 9th. It's a 20 kilometre bike ride followed by a lunch and all of the proceeds will be split between the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Tanner Steffler Foundation.

Ward started this event with his family seven years ago, after he lost his brother Jeff to suicide.

"Unfortunately we lost my brother, but we want to turn it into something positive, continue his legacy, and help other people and families."

The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and he's encouraging everyone to sign up.

"A lot of people get intimidated thinking you need to be an avid cyclist to do this event and I really want to express that's not the case. We want to have every person out and focus on the main cause here, which is raising awareness for mental health."

The police escorted bike ride will start and end at the Walton Raceway. It will be followed by a lunch and a presentation from keynote speaker Ben Fanelli, a former OHL captain who is now an advocate for mental health.

If you're not much of a cyclist, there is an option to register for just the lunch portion of the event. There will also be a silent auction on site and you'll be able to purchase t-shirts and hats as well.'

All of the proceeds will go to the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Tanner Steffler Foundation, supporting mental health programs in Oxford County and Huron County.

You can sign up for Ride With Me or donate to the cause online here.

The excitement will continue for Ward on Sunday August 10th, when he competes in the final round of the Canadian Triple Crown Pro Motocross Series at Walton Raceway. He currently sits in third in the 450 class, just four points away from the lead.

Tanner Ward called the Heart FM studio to chat with Dan and Marcie on Friday July 11th. You can listen to the full interview below: