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Heated action anticipated as cyclists gear for ‘Ride for Life’ extravaganza
Minister Anthony (right) flanked by Director of Youth and Sports, Neil Kumar (left), Health Minister Ramsammy and cycling officials at yesterday’s ceremony.
Cyclists from across the country and from the Diaspora will contest for lucrative prizes when the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, stage the third edition of the ‘Ride for Life’ cycle extravaganza, scheduled to ride off on Wednesday November 4. Activities would highlight safe health practices with the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus taking centre stage.
The five days, five-stage, event will depart from the offices of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Main Street, Georgetown on Wednesday November 4 and proceed to Corriverton. There, the cyclists would spend the night before the start of the actual event at 07:30hrs, a 75.0 km ride from the Corriverton Police Station to New Amsterdam. They would then travel in convoy to the Church View Hotel, New Amsterdam, where they spend the night.
The cyclists continue on their journey the following day, at 14:00hrs, from Rosignol to Georgetown. They then leave by convoy for Wales to camp out at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports building before continuing the journey at 06:30hrs the following morning to Bushy Park. Stage three will see the cyclists competing for honours from Wales to Parika at 09:00hrs. At stage four, the cyclists would be required to journey from Supernaam, on the Essequibo Coast, to Charity, further down the coastal strip, before returning to Suddie, also on the Essequibo Coast.
The team of cyclists then convoys to the Amerindian Hostel for an overnight stay and a subsequent departure to Linden in convoy before commencing the final leg, a grueling 100km journey along the hilly terrain of the Linden/Soesdyke highway for the culmination of the race in Georgetown.
The media was summoned to a press conference at the National Aids Secretariat, yesterday morning where reporters were briefed on the intricacies of the event. The forum was attended by Ministry of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Minister of Sports and Culture, Dr. Frank Anthony, Director of Youth and Sports, Neil Kumar, National Cycling coach, Hassan Mohammed as well as other cycling affiliates.
All of the officials present spoke glowingly of the efforts of the Health Minister in the effective planning and implementation of the project. For his part, Minister Ramsammy, in delivering brief remarks, highlighted a nexus between sports and health. “My ministry views sports as an important component in fostering happy and productive lives,” the Minister exhorted.
He pointed out that cycling is not only useful competitively but also provides social benefits. He further stated that the sport coincides with the agenda of his Ministry in promoting healthy lifestyles. The Minister then committed to future sponsorship, at least up to 2009.
Meanwhile, Mr. Anthony vociferously extolled the virtues of the event even as he acknowledged the efforts of Minister Ramsammy. He noted that the event has now grown in proportion and is currently regarded as the premiere event on the cycling calendar. The Minister of Sports further emphasized that despite the core message being AIDS and preventative measures, the event was basically highlighting sound health practices. “This is not only about HIV but also the inculcation of a positive lifestyle,” said the Minister. He pointed out that the synergies of the two ministries are focused on the collaboration of efforts where the entire nation eventually benefits.
Other speakers at the ceremony included National Cycling coach, Hassan Mohammed, who is responsible for the technical aspects of the programme. He also praised the health ministry for the initiative while Flying Stars Cycling Club executive Howard Williams noted that the event is indeed a worthwhile activity for local cyclists.
Officials also intimated that they have noted the potential danger as the cyclist race along the East Bank thoroughfare for the final leg of the journey. To this extent, they have collaborated with the Police to ensure that the riders compete in safety.
The New GPC would also provide 50 hampers towards the exercise.
The first 10 riders to cross the finish line would receive a total package of US$1,000 while there would be other lucrative prizes for the top finishers in the junior and senior category as well as the veterans. There would also be a lien trophy and a prize of a jersey for the overall winner.
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