At 6 this morning the bugle was sounded and 60 cyclists began a ride
from Corozal to Belize City. It took a full 6 hours to reach Belize City and
that is because they weren’t in a rush. In fact it wasn’t a race,
it was the Social Security Board’s Ride Across Belize. It is a ride for
charity and they hope to raise $60,000. This morning was just the end of the
first leg and we were there for the finish.
Keith Swift Reporting,
The pack included semi-pro cyclists, one current and one former Cabinet Minister,
and just regular folks. For some it was easier than others.
Godfrey Smith, Participant
“This first stage was fairly straight forward. I think most people
found it fairly easy going. Of course with each passing day it gets more gruelling
and tougher. Tomorrow is Belize City to Cayo and we’ve got some hills
there and Saturday is the killer day, San Ignacio and Dangriga, final stage
Dangriga to Punta Gorda. I will make it to the 
end but I might get some health
making it to the end.”
Hon. Edmund Castro, Participant
“It was rough. Since four weeks I have never covered the distance
that much and also the speed sometimes the speed was up to 20 something miles
an hour. It is kind of out of what I should be doing at this time but it shows
that with dedication and the strong will power you can accomplish great things.”
Mateo Cruz, Participant
“I wouldn’t say challenging but it is very good for me, to help
me get ready for the 2009 season. All the miles and the hours on the bike, it
is like a loading phase right now and then during the racing season I just maintain
my condition.”
Horace Boyd, 68 years old Participant
“It was beyond my expectation because I overdid myself…it was
very challenging.”
Challenging but 68 year old Horace Boyd and these other riders did for the
cause.
Horace Boyd,
“Social Security gives me a check every month which I am very grateful
for. So now that they need assistance to help people who have diabetes and people
who Aids and other people that are sick with their kidneys, I feel that it is
a great privilege that all these cyclists who took part today are generous in
giving back something.”
Godfrey Smith,
“As I understand it Social Security Board is trying to use it to encourage
healthy lifestyle, healthy living and exercise as well as to at the same time
raise some funds to contribute to a charitable cause.”
Mateo Cruz,
“It is something like I want to give back to the community.”
Chandra Cansino, Organizer
“It has a dual purpose I would say. Initially it was to raise funds
for charities, it is a Social Security staff initiative, and we also combine
the healthy lifestyle promotion that we are trying to do from the Social Security
Board and so it is a combination of staying healthy and riding for a cause.”
The ride sets off for Cayo from in front of Social Security’s
Office in Belize City tomorrow at 6 am. On Saturday they will ride from Cayo
to Dangriga. You can make donations to Social Security. The funds raised will
sponsor programmes in select charities.
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