Scores of citizens from ages four to 66 rode in harmony for a five-mile stretch starting at Turkeyen to Carifesta Avenue in support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s ‘Big Ride.’
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the initiative is a collaboration between the ministry and Guyana Cycling aimed at demonstrating support for active, healthy lifestyles. Representatives of clubs, villages, ministries and organisations turned out in their numbers to support the ‘Ride.’
“Leading the way was four-year-old Kaden Conway who walked away with a trophy for being the youngest rider to endure the ride and Nicholas Danraj who represented Winfer Gardens Primary School,” GINA said. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony and Permanent Secretary Alfred King also pedalled off with the group including Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran and Director of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat Dr Shanti Singh.
In his address, King encouraged the public to abstain from habits that put their lives at risk such as alcohol and tobacco use and to adopt those that promote health. “We want you to utilize the sports facilities that are around… the Ministry is paying a keen interest and actively involved in restoring some of the sporting facilities around Guyana… we are doing that so that people use those facilities and engage in sporting activities and or organized games that will ensure that you utilize your leisure time wisely and secondly, ensure that you are provided with the right type of exercises that would enhance your own health,” he said.
According to GINA, there is an increasing number of persons at risks of chronic, non-communicable diseases. As such, Anthony urged the public to adapt active, healthy lifestyles similar to today’s cycling activities, pointing out that 30 minutes of daily exercise can improve health. “An activity like this is just to show people that regardless of your circumstances… you can get out there and do 30 minutes a day of exercise. If you don’t have any equipment at all, you can do minimal exercises like walking and you can live a longer, healthier and healthier life,” he said.
According to GINA, the ‘Ride’ targeted 1000 persons. And though the turnout was less than anticipated, Anthony was confident that it “made its mark on people’s consciousness.” He said the event will be extended to different regions and it will be a lead-up to the five-stage/tour of Guyana cycle race which will cover some 226 miles, starting at Skeldon, Berbice. “We are encouraging you to come out and at least try a leg of that race,” the minister said.
