NLA donates to hosting of cycling competition

With EC$70,000 backing from the National Lotteries Authority (NLA), the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union (SVGCU) is set to host the 8th Elite Caribbean Cycling Championship.{{more}}

According to SVGCU President Trevor ‘Sailor’ Bailey, the event, which looks likely to attract more participants than the main cycling event at the Pan-American games, will take place over the Independence weekend (26th and 27th October) on the Windward side of the island.

Participation is expected from 24 regional states, with approximately 90 – 100 riders. This is the second time that SVG is hosting this competition. “We’re the only Caribbean country to host this twice!” Bailey declared. On October 26, the men will compete in a 24-mile race, whilst the women complete 12 miles. The following day, the men will compete in a 75-mile race, with the women doing 37.5 miles.

On Tuesday, September 23rd, Bailey was present to receive an initial cheque of EC$30,000, along with Secretary Cheryl Evans and committee member Samuel Browne. NLA Manager MacGregor Sealey explained that the remainder of the money would be distributed incrementally, as the organization needs it. He expressed that the NLA was pleased to be associated with this event because the expected participation speaks well of this country’s budding sports tourism industry.

Cyclists such as Dominic Ollivierre, Orano Andrews, Dwight Sargeant and Albert Quammie will represent SVG. The President of the Pan-American Cycling Organisation and a delegation from the American Cycling Organisation are expected to patronize the event. Prize monies will amount to US$1,050, with a top prize of US$300. Medals and t-shirts will be awarded also. (JSV)