Two hundred cyclists raise funds for Antigua projects

(September 18, 2012) – Two hundred cyclists gathered at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa this past Sunday to participate in the third annual Sandals Foundation Trans-Antigua Cycle Challenge, which raised approximately US$2000 for community projects undertaken by the Sandals Foundation.

These projects include the construction of a lunch room at the Willikie’s Primary School, which is one of 26 schools across the Caribbean that have been adopted by the Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International.

Each year, the Sandals Foundation identifies a number of short-term projects in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Antigua, Saint Lucia and the Turks and Caicos Islands. These projects are funded by donations and fund-raising events.

The Trans-Antigua Cycle Challenge, which was held in collaboration with the Antigua & Barbuda Amateur Cycling Association, consisted of a 22-mile trek from Sandals Grande Antigua to Grand Pineapple Beach Resort.

“This year the Sandals Foundation is excited to have the addition of two new sponsors, Price Water House Coopers and Rock Star Energy Drink,” said Matthew Cornall, hotel manager at Sandals Grande Antigua. “The Foundation is very thankful to all of our sponsors and we are also pleased with the public support of this charitable event.”

Prizes such as tours, day passes, trophies and medals were awarded during fun activities. Although it was not a competition, the Sandals Foundation presented cyclists with awards such as youngest cyclist, oldest cyclist, most courageous and the Tortoise Award for last place. The Sandals Foundation encourages new participants to join in next year’s event.