Scores of persons took to the streets yesterday on their bicycles to partner with the Ministry of Health, National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, to host the 5th ‘Big Ride’.

The event which was birthed in 2010 is now placed on the calendar of events by the aforementioned entities, since it plays a part in promoting healthy lifestyle and exercise through sports, more so cycling.

Starting at the University of Guyana access road on the Rupert Craig Highway, the cyclists ranging from as old as 72 years old, to three years of age, pedalled to the finish line at the Ministry of Sports ground on Carifesta Avenue where a welcoming party, headed by Director of Sport Neil Kumar and other officials from the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) greeted them with cheers.

“This is an important event for us and we had to make sure that we pulled it off this year because a lot of people look forward to it,” Kumar said during his remarks.

The recent inclement weather experienced across Guyana had forced the organisers to shift from the originally planned date and had even threatened the hosting of yesterday’s event, but, according to Kumar, he’s thankful for those who came out and supported.

“If it wasn’t done today (yesterday), I doubt if we would’ve been able to host it this year, but I’m glad we had great weather and people came out and supported and to help make the ‘BIG RIDE’ a success” Kumar noted.

President of the GCF Cheryl Thompson pointed out that once again, her organisation is pleased to be associated with the event and most importantly, that the sport of cycling is used to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Three year old Tyler Geoding was named the youngest rider (male) while four year-old Jessica Mohabir picked up the trophy for the females.

Seventy-two year-old Navo Persaud was the event’s oldest participant while Sam Tracy was presented with a trophy for his innovation and creativity with his bicycle.

The event also pushes communities to support by offering several prizes in various categories and as such, the community of Industry won the hog of the accolades – Village with the Most Participation, Village with the largest youth support and largest female group.

For the first time, a cycling club participated in the ‘BIG RIDE’; Team CoCo was named the best uniformed group.