Boys on Bikes a Success
Organisers says Thanks
by Karen Crossman
~~Adz:Left~~ (Basseterre, St. Kitts) Jan. 7- The organizers of the first ever Boys on Bikes troupe have hailed the 2008 Carnival venture a success.
Though the intended targets were young boys, 2 of the 67 participants were female and joined their males counterparts during the Children’s Parade and the Jan 1st Grand Parade.
According to the organizers, the initiative was geared toward involving young boys in positive activities that could act as deterrence from criminal and gang activity.
“We were so happy to see that the boys and girls were interested in doing something different that not only involved physical activity but social bonding. The kids had a blast and that sends a strong message that once there is a positive outlet our nation’s youth can be guided along the right path.”
The participants were decked in T-shirts, bandanas and toted whistles as they rode through the streets of Basseterre performing stunts under the guidance of Larry Vaughn and ‘Matrix’ of Freewheelers Bike Shop. They were also provided with snacks, juice and water while on parade.
One organiser commented on the outpouring of appreciation from the viewing public who applauded the Boys on Bikes efforts to create a safe recreational activity, especially for the boys.
The group of individuals behind the brainchild is looking at hosting the troupe for Carnival 2009 but is also looking to engage the children during the year.
“New ideas are already in place for the 2009 Carnival season and we are looking at targeting both girls and boys this time around. The feedback from the public was very positive and some even offered ideas for the next time. The aim now is to keep in touch with children who participated and their parents to see how they are doing and encourage them in constructive recreational activities throughout the year.”
The organizers are anticipating a larger turnout for the 2009 troupe based on the level of interest shown with the short notice given in 2008 and the nominal registration fee. They also thanked all of their sponsors and individuals who got on board to help make the venture a resounding success.
Through this medium, the organizers (Patricia Rogers-Lake, Kamillah Lawrence, Troy Hendrickson and Karen Crossman) would like to thank all the following persons:
All Parents of the Participants
American Bakery
Caraibes Import
Karibhana Trading Co. Ltd
LIME
Wallis Wilkin & S.L. Horsford & Co
Fitzallen & Ileta Fulton
WINN FM
SKNVibes
Walwyn Chiverton
Chad Chiverton
KVK Enterprises
Calvin Tobias
Freewheelers (Matrix & Larry Vaughn)
St. Kitts Bottling Co. Limited (Cleopatra Lake)
KidPals
Party N’ Style
Tony Frederick
Hon. Sam Condor
Joycelyn (Shaki) Heath
Stephen McMahon
KFC
Troy Hendrickson (Caribbean Journey Masters)
Fisheries (Euclid Warner)
Parik Ballee
Dexter Tyrell
Charleen Godwin
Candace Caines
Joycelyn Ryan
Evans Lake
Island Bakery
Teshema Lawrence
Shelda Webster
