The fifth annual NBC Connecticut Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride and Walk will be held at the Performing Arts Center at Simsbury Meadows on Iron Horse Boulevard in Simsbury on Saturday, June 11. The event benefits the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UConn Health Center in Farmington and Coaches vs. Cancer, an American Cancer Society program.

The ride and walk is presented by CIGNA and the Hartford law firm of RisCassi and Davis, and is dedicated in part to the memory of Eileen Fucile and Doris Davis.

There will be rides of 10, 25, 50 and 75 miles and a 5K walk/run. All participants in the ride and walk/run will receive a free gift bag and an invitation to a special closed practice of the 2011–2012 UConn men’s basketball team at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs in October 2011.

The event also includes a cookout featuring Price Chopper’s famous “House of Barbecue,” Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, live music by the Timmy Maia Band, hot air balloon rides, children’s activities and more. The UConn Health Center Department of Dermatology will offer free skin cancer screenings from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also on hand will be UConn’s trophies for the 2011, 2004 and 1999 NCAA men’s basketball championships.

This annual event is hosted by Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun, head coach of the UConn men’s basketball team and a three-time cancer survivor.

“I stand as a cancer survivor determined to help in the fight against this terrible disease,” said Calhoun. “I invite all of Connecticut to grab their bikes or their running or walking shoes and join me on June 11th.”

Calhoun will participate in the bike ride along with a number of UConn men’s basketball assistant coaches and former players. His wife, Pat Calhoun, will lead the 5K walk/run with the hosts of “Sports Talk” on WTIC 1080 AM, Joe D’Ambrosio—also known as “the voice of the Huskies”—and Kevin Nathan. Nathan is also sports director at NBC Connecticut.

Children and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome in the 5K walk. Register online at www.calhounridewalk.com. Visit the web site or call Gold, Orluk & Partners at 860.674.1500 for more information.