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CHARITY champions can once more race round Bahrain’s grand prix circuit on their bicycles just weeks before the big F1 race and raise much-needed funds for their good causes.
The 11th anniversary edition of the Wheelathon is set to attract even more big-hearted pedallers and supporters on Saturday, February 21, to the Bahrain International Circuit with the attraction of a cycling and running duathlon race for young athletes aged between 13 and 17.
The first Wheelathon rolled out in 2004 and this will be the 11th edition of the event offering the opportunity for families of all ages and nationalities to cycle, rollerblade and skateboard, in fact use any non-motorised contraption with wheels, around the home of motorsport in the Middle East.
The initiative was the brainchild of business consultant David Axtell, from Saar, who helps organise it to this day with a committee of volunteers. He said: “I receive countless compliments about the Wheelathon being the favourite event of the year for many families, which is always a wonderful accolade. However, the most important aspect for me is to witness the disabled being able to participate on a ‘like for like’ basis and feel included in society.
“It’s an all-inclusive family day out raising money for local charities. As well as being hugely popular with the disabled because they can participate on a level playing field, it’s also a great opportunity for everyone to cycle in safety!
“I am always grateful to the BIC’s management and staff for their assistance in making it such a fabulous occasion.”
The family fun starts at 2pm and participants can use either a 5.4km or 2.2km circuit. Registration will be on the day. Once again there will be family entertainment and refreshments provided to entertain the crowds.
The children’s duathlon will kick off at 4pm. The duathlon, which forms two parts of the challenging triathlon craze of running, cycling and swimming which has captured the hearts of sports lovers across the globe, will offer the chance to a select group of athletes – the younger members of the Bahrain National Triathlon squad – to put their talents to the test against youngsters of the same age in a 5.4km cycle and 2km run.
They were hand-picked during trials by recently-appointed international coach Vicent Beltran who said: “I’m hugely excited about the prospect of using the Wheelathon to help start with the building of foundations that will lead to producing the first Bahraini Olympic triathletes.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to practice in the best arena in Bahrain and I relish the prospect of seeing how my youngest national team members get on against other school children.”
Mr Axtell said: “This will be a great opportunity for young national and expat athletes to test themselves against Bahrain’s chosen ones and an opportunity for Bahrainis to bring themselves to the attention of the national selectors.
“It will certainly add a little spice and action to a popular family charity fundraising event and should be an exciting spectator event for everyone after they’ve finished riding, pushing and skateboarding around the circuit!
“This year our hospital bed race will be replaced by the children’s duathlon. Taking inspiration from the recent hugely successful Challenge Bahrain half-triathlon event, I wanted to provide an opportunity for children to get into the sport and this has been supported by the Bahrain Triathlon Association who will be organising the race.
“We are also delighted that Trilife, who provided invaluable support to the Challenge Bahrain, receiving many compliments from the professionals in the process, will also be available to give bicycles and machines a ‘health check’ while they will also be providing training and safety tips to the young riders.”
Over the years the Wheelathon has raised tens of thousands of dinars for local charities which include good causes such as the RIA, SNEHA, Think Pink and Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation.
Medical assistance will be offered by the International Hospital of Bahrain while refreshments come courtesy of Coca Cola. GPIC has provided a number of donations to encourage individuals to raise as much money as possible. And the Philippino Mountain Biker’s Association will be on hand to provide on-track guidance along with a large number of off-track volunteers from St. Christopher’s Cathedral.
* For more information about sponsoring the event or taking part email Mr Axtell on itglobal@batelco.com or call 39432133.
