The Bahrain
International Circuit played host to a very different set of wheels
on Friday, 27th April when hundreds of bicycles, scooters,
skateboards and rollerblades descended on the tract. Over 500
people, varying in age from toddlers to grandparents participated in
the Third Annual Charity Wheelathon which raised BD.6,400 for
charity. People were invited to 'wheel' around the 5km F1
track in any non-motorised form of transport, completing as many
circuits as they could within two hours.
Organiser David Axtell said, "For me it's the perfect day - it's a
sports day full of family fun which is also doing something for
charity. "My son George inspired this because I saw how much
he enjoyed coming down to the track. It made me realise that
lots of people wanted to get closer to these fantastic facilities."
The day kicked off with the BIC's first-ever hospital bed race.
Teams
of six competing with one 'patient' raced head-to-head pushing
hsopital beds down the main straight in front of the grandstand.
Representatives from Bahrain's media, the American Navy, the
American Mission Hospital, St. Christopher's Cathedral and Bahrain
Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF) took part. Lieutenant Paul
Macapagal who competed in the race wearing goggles and a feather
boa, said, "We're fans of doing things for the community. We
were here for the F1 and it's great to be here on the track."
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The winners were the BDSF who completed the 500m stretch over ten
seconds faster than all the other teams. Throughout the day
more than 1,000 people arrived to show their support for the event
and enjoy the family entertainment provided by DJ Krazy Keven and a
host of clowns, balloon twisters, face painters and hair braiders.
Susan Barber, 41, who brought her two children to the event said:
"It's been a great family day and we've seen a lot of people here
that we know. My son Luke, who is seven, took off straight
away, but my daughter Lane, who's four, wanted to go down a hill."
Cherian Matthews, director of operations at Phoenix creations, who
attended the event with his family and three family friends said:
"We're here to support the disabled association, and we've all
brought our children who having a great time on the bouncy castle."
The first person to arrive at the finish line was Yvonne Trueman, a
member of one of the Cathedral congregations. She said:
"I'm surprised I'm first, but I have had some training! I've
just come back from Jordan where I was cycling for charity."
The soaring temperature left the participants exhausted but elated.
Ahmed Mushima, 23, who competed in a wheelchair said: "I did a
lot of training but I'm too tired to go around again." Alex
Farrell, 12, who took part with his sister and father, said, "I did
three laps, but there was a point where I collapsed and fell
asleep."
The Wheelathon was organised on behalf os St. Christopher's
Cathedral by David Axtell and the proceeds will be shared among
Sneha Recreation Centre, Bahrain, the Disabled Sports Federation and
other local charities. The event was sponsored by BAE Systems,
Jacana, Coca-Cola, Gulf Daily News, KLM, AMH, BIC, Warwick Mann
International, Mares, Carousel and Royal Sun Alliance.
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