The Progressive Youth Organization (PYO) 56-mile cycle road race in honour of the 1973 Ballot Box Martyrs is scheduled to ride off this morning in Berbice.
According to the Progressive Youth Organiza-tion (PYO) First Secretary, Dr Frank Anthony, this year marks the 35th anniversary of the martyrs, Jagan Ramessar and Bholanauth Parmanand.
The Berbice youths are very pumped-up and fully behind this historic cycle race.
People’s Progressive Party General Secretary, Donald Ramotar is expected to be at the starting line to say a few words to the nation’s top cyclists who will be competing.
The Ballot Box Martyr’s Race was initiated by Former PYO First Secretary of the PYO Navin Chanderpaul more than three decades ago.
Both Ramessar and Permanand were known to be men who were popular using their bicycles and at that time it was agreed that the PYO and the comrades in Berbice will organize cycle races in their memory.
National cycle Coach Hassan Mohamad said that all the top cyclists in Guyana will be competing in the event and he is working along with the Berbice organizers Jaffar Alli to ensure the success of the event .
The event is sponsored by Mr Chris Jagdeo from Berbice. While there will be winning trophies for the various categories. Mr Jagdeo has also put up eight monetary sprint prizes.
The event is scheduled to start at 09:00 hrs outside Freedom House in New Amsterdam, proceed to Corriverton Police Station and return to Number 63 Village for the photo finish.
The best junior, senior, and veteran cyclists will also be winning prizes.
A large crowd is anticipated at the finishing line at Number 63 Village to greet all the cyclists and officials in the race where they will be addressed by Dr Anthony, Ramotar and Chanderpaul.
