Annual Big Ride event…..
Hundreds of cyclists from ages five to 70 rode in unison yesterday in the annual Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s ‘Big Ride’, five-mile event which pedaled off at Turkeyen and ended at Carifesta Avenue.
The event, which is a collaborative initiative involving the Sports Ministry, the Guyana Cycling and the National AIDS Programme, is staged to raise AIDS awareness as well as to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.
Representatives of clubs, villages, ministries and organizations turned out in their numbers to support the ‘Ride.’
Leading the way was five-year-old John Niles who rode away with a trophy for being the youngest rider to participate in the ‘Big Ride’ while Victor Miller was awarded a trophy for being the oldest finisher.
Trophies were also awarded to the village with the most riders (Industry), organization with the most riders (GCF), ministry with the most riders (Ministry of Sport) and the school with the most participants (Montrose Primary)
Prior to the event, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony encouraged the riders to lead an active and healthy lifestyle as exercise is beneficial for longevity.
According to Dr. Anthony there is an increasing number of persons at risks of chronic, non-communicable diseases. As such, Anthony urged the cyclists to adapt active, healthy lifestyles similar to today’s cycling activities, pointing out that 30 minutes of daily exercise can improve ones health.
President of the GCF, Cheryl Thompson, thanked the participants for taking part in the event and also encouraged them to lead a healthy lifestyle.
