Local Government, Commmunity Development & Sport
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Big Support for Fundraising Event in St. Elizabeth
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MANDEVILLE, (JIS):
Friday, May 09, 2003
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Efforts to acquire an ambulance for the residents of South West St. Elizabeth are continuing with the recent staging of the eighth annual Jake's off-road triathlon, which raised some $120,000 towards the project.
The event, which was held recently in South West St. Elizabeth, was organised by BREDS, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Jason Henzell, Director of BREDS said the triathlon had become bigger and better over the years.
"What visitors to treasure beach often comment on is the wide support that our local population give to this event, they are here from as early as 6:00 a.m. cheering on the participants.this only serves to highlight the kind of unity that exists in this area. This is the kind of spirit that needs to be nurtured in more communities across the island," he said.
Mr. Henzell told JIS News that in the near future the dream of acquiring an ambulance would be realised through the staging of similar activities and with the support of visitors both at home and abroad.
Nigel Wynter who won the event thanked the people of Treasure Beach for the kind words of encouragement that helped him to secure first place.
"So far I have participated in this event and placed 2nd two times, this year I have finally taken the triathlon, though I did not have much time to prepare for it," he said.
In the female category, Rachel Hernould placed first. Noting that she was happy to have won the event, Ms Hernould said: "This is my fourth triathlon, I love doing this race, love the community here, it has been a lot of fun and challenging. the first year I was a rookie, I was not use to the riding but of course every year with practise I have gotten better".
Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Christopher Tufton told JIS News that the whole idea of bringing exposure to the community through the staging of a sport event was very new and different.
"The South Coast is a magnificent part of Jamaica and certainly very much in keeping with the thrust to promote St. Elizabeth," he added.
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