By Alesha Capone
Point Cook boy Zac Rizzoli is cycling hundreds of kilometres for charity this month, inspired by his younger friend Axel.
Zac, 10, is taking part in the Starlight Tour de Kids to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The fundraising campaign asks participants to cycle a certain distance within September, in return for donations to the cause.
Zac – who has already completed an impressive 155 kilometres while riding his bike around Point Cook – said he planned to complete a total of 250 kilometres by September 30.
Zac said he decided to participate in the Starlight Tour de Kids because of his “god brother” Axel, who will be turning three this year.
Axel’s parents are Zac’s godparents, which is why he calls Axel his “god brother”.
Axel, who has a twin sister named Willow, was born with a heart condition. He has already undergone three open-heart surgeries in his young life.
Zac said he decided to participate in the Starlight Tour de Kids because he wanted to help children like Axel.
“I just want to do something for Axel and the little kids,” Zac said.
Zac said that his parents, Dave and Kylie, and his older sister Maddi have been accompanying him as he rides his bike around Point Cook.
Zac said that in pre-pandemic times, he had enjoyed riding his bicycle alongside Axel, who would be on his scooter.
Zac, who is also a champion water ski speed racer, said he is looking forward to teaching Axel how to water-ski in the future.
Zac said that when he first signed up for the Starlight Tour de Kids, he set a fundraising goal of $500.
However, he has already raised $4580 so he has re-set his fundraising goal to $5000.
“My family has said they’re proud of me and Axel’s nana also said she is very proud of me,” he said.
“I’d like to say a big thanks to everyone who has sponsored me for all their support.”
See tourdekids.org.au/zac-rizzoli/ to make a donation.
