Young Riders Raise Funds For Hope Academy
Eleven junior riders took to their bikes on Friday to support Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, as the Youth Development Program riders from the Bermuda Cycling Academy completed laps of Police Field in order to raise funds to support Hope Academy’s work with special needs children.
Dylan Peart, age 11, and his mother, Dawn, joined to talk to the riders about the work of Hope Academy and cheer them on in their riding.
The challenge for the riders, sponsored by Global Atlantic Financial Group, was to complete as many laps as they could in 15 minutes – the initial laps earned $1 per lap and increased to $2 then $5 as the time ticked down. In total, the riders raised $202 for Hope Academy.
Anton Gilbert, or “Coach Ton” to many of the riders, said “I was impressed how fast our kids could ride – especially when they knew each lap could raise $2 or $5 for Hope Academy. Our youngest rider had a minor issue with her bike and took off running on foot to keep adding to the total.”
The BCA riders weren’t the only ones on their bikes that afternoon. Gilbert and rider Rajul Matthie-Shakir helped Dylan ride the length of the field. Matthie-Shakir was moved by his experience, saying: “It opened my eyes to take the time to raise $202 for Bermuda’s only special needs school.
“It was touching for me as my brother is autistic and watching him go through everyday tasks struggling really shows me how lucky I am. To help teach Dylan how to ride a bike for the first time was a great experience as I know he will never forget it and neither will I.”
Further collaboration is planned as BCA riders will join Team HOPE and raise funds during both the bike and running races on May 24th. Dylan and others from Hope Academy will be joining BCA on Sunday June 5th at the Bermuda Cycling Academy race to present prizes to the winners and receive the funds raised in support of Hope Academy.
Anyone interested in contributing to Team HOPE can contact info@foha.bm or visit friendsofhopeacademy.com.
Coach Anton Gilbert and his amazing support group are doing fantastic work with the BCA. As is inherently true of all good work the reach of this program goes well beyond merely riding a bike.
A fantastic cause and fantastic group. Congratulations are due to all involved.