By Neto Baptiste
An initiative by the Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation (ABCF) geared towards raising funds for injured cyclist, Andre Simon, has so far raised $2,600 with president of the body, St Clair Williams, predicting that once all pledges have been collected, that figures could increase to about $3,000 in total.
Speaking following the fun ride held at the old Pan Am Base on Sunday, Williams noted that the event was well attended with individuals making pledges and donations even though they did not take part in the ride.
“All the members of the cycling federation, members who are not part of the federation, the persons who came and rode and some persons who came and just contributed to support the entire cause and we’d just really like to say thanks to everyone. It went very well and we’re hoping that maybe later on this year or early next year, just before the season starts, we will look into putting on another event to assist with putting some more medical funds into the kitty for Andre Simon,” he said.
The president also noted the significant turnout by the federation’s members and cyclists on the day.
“Normally, the guys would be out training on Sunday mornings, so they just did their training, and then when it came around 9am they just made their way up to the Pan Am Base so they could support the fundraising event. Most of the cyclists were there and it was a success and I think every appreciated the fact that the event was put on and they were very happy to support such an event,” Williams said.
Simon was airlifted to the TIRR Memorial Hospital in Texas on July 2, almost two months after he and three other cyclists were allegedly struck by a motor car driven by Kenyatta Benjamin, 39, of Hatton on May 8.