SANDALS FOUNDATION TRANS-ANTIGUA CYCLE CHALLENGE CREATES A BUZZ
Wednesday 22nd June 2011
Participants in the Sandals Foundation Trans-Antigua Cycle Challenge pose before embarking on their journey.
More than 150 eager cyclists took on an Antiguan cross country challenge on the weekend as the Sandals Foundation teamed up with the Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Association to raise funds and promote the sport on the island.
The challenge marked the second annual initiative by the two parties. The scenic route began at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa and finished at Grand Pineapple Beach Resort where they delighted in food and sport and much fanfare. The fundraising event was a collaborative effort between the Sandals Foundation, Bike Plus and the Antigua & Barbuda Cycling Association (ABCA).
An ecstatic President of ABCA Cliff Williams said, “This is a great way to spend Fathers’ Day and these types of community events are critical because they bring people together and keep them active.” The Sandals Foundation’s Courtney Miller echoed his sentiments and said, “The event was a tremendous success and we want to continue to support initiatives that promote health and wellness in the spirit of community development.”
Although the challenge was not a competition, the three top finishers managed to complete the route in less than 65 minutes. Peter Kelsic was the first to cross the finish line and he was followed by the Sandals Foundation’s Norbert Zepherinus. Lennart Charles finished in third place while brothers Mark and Brian Branker rounded off the top five. Several prizes were given out and fathers’ were encouraged to partake in the activities. One of the highlights was the Father to do the most consecutive push-ups competition, which was won by Colin Ambrose. The thrilled Ambrose received a gift voucher for a massage from the Red Lane Spa. Sixty-three year old Lawrence Gonsalves was rewarded for being the oldest father and twenty-one year old Clint Livingstone won a prize for being the youngest father.
Sponsorship was provided by LIME, Brydens, Anjo Wholesalers, Colombian Emeralds, Home & Office Depot, Island Routes, Kennedy’s and the Red Lane Spa. More than $2000 US dollars was raised and the proceeds will go to the Good Shepherd Home.