Family and friends of top banker Allan Sword, who was tragically killed a year ago in a hit-and-run accident, are staging a running and cycling event tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to help promote safe sporting environments and habits.
The ‘Be Active, Be Safe’ initiative, held in association with St Christopher’s Cathedral, is being organised by his widow Corinne, fellow triathletes and training buddies Clarke Morton-Shepherd and Jonathan Robinson, and veteran of 14 ‘Wheelathon’ events and Safe Cycling campaigns, David Axtell.
“A year has passed since my dear husband Allan’s tragic death,” said Ms Sword, who lives in Amwaj Islands.
“It seems incomprehensible and I’ve realised a year is nothing when it comes to grief.
“We are all still taking things one day at a time and I’m so grateful to the love and support of family, friends and the Bahrain community.”
Entry tickets to the pre-registration-only event have all been snapped up.
Mr Sword, 48, a Scottish expatriate and father to university students Halle, 19, and Gregor, 20, was killed on the morning of November 6. He had been cycling with friends on Wali Al Ahad Road, near Hamala.
“I’m doing my upmost to encourage cycling safety awareness in Bahrain,” said Ms Sword, 40.
“Allan’s death was completely preventable and awareness is key to prevent future tragedies.
“Sport was a massive part of Allan’s life and it seemed only fitting to remember him through sporting initiatives and events.”
Mr Sword’s parents, Irene, 81, and David, 87, have flown from Scotland to support the initiative.
“We are so grateful that the BIC provides such a safe venue for exercise,” added Ms Sword.
“We hope to prevent future tragedies by continuing to support safe sporting environments and cycling awareness.”
The event will feature an array of on-and off activities to encourage safety in sports.
“We are using this event to launch the slogan ‘Be Active Be Safe’ which we feel epitomises the message we want to send out,” explained Mr Axtell.
“Corinne is delighted that this also uses Allan’s initials – Allan Beaumont Sword – while fitting in with a ‘Be Aware’ message!”
The Bahrain Road Runners (BRR) group is also organising a number of early morning races for youngsters in five age categories – 200m, 400m, 600m, 800m and 1km.
Two tracks of the BIC circuit will then be opened from 10am to noon for cyclists and fun runners to enjoy. The outer loop dedicated for cyclists measures just under 4km and the inner loop comprising of the Oasis straight is just under 3km for runners.
Music will be provided by DJ Costa and there will also be food and coffee trucks for relaxation as well as bouncy castles and candy floss for children.
LuLu Hypermarket will be providing healthy snacks for attendees and Aqua Cool will be keeping everyone hydrated. Ryde will also be offering static bikes in the entertainment area for those that would like to exert more energy.
“This is such an important cause and it is great to finally get some real traction,” said Mr Axtell.
“It feels as though the ever-expanding Bahrain cycling community, under the leadership of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Cycling Association, is gearing up to promote such vital initiatives in the future.”
Funds have also been raised to support the initiative to purchase helmets and high visibility items that will be primarily distributed to migrant workers and others required to use bicycles for work who may not have access to or awareness of the need for these.
“We are pleased that the British and Indian embassies are also supportive of this initiative that is geared towards saving lives,” added Mr Axtell.
“We’re delighted to be supported by a number of generous sponsors who are committed not only to this event but also to the promotion of cycling and running safety in Bahrain.
“Also, since inception in 2004, the BIC has always been a popular venue for cyclists and runners during special occasions. It’s a safe and iconic location, which is perfect for charity events. We are extremely grateful to the BIC for opening their doors and allowing us to commence a legacy of safe-cycling activities that will commemorate Allan.”
Support has come from ABC Bank, AXA, Aqua Cool, BIC, LuLu Hypermarket, Team Bahrain Victorious and the GDN.
The BIC’s head of marketing and communications, Laurence Jones, told the GDN that it was ‘a privilege’ for the circuit to get involved in Allan’s memorial event. “It will be great to see his family and friends coming together and using running and cycling as a way to remember him.”
Mr Sword was a seasoned cyclist and an accomplished sportsman, representing the Great Britain team in hockey.
Having worked in both Bahrain and Dubai, Mr Sword joined Bank ABC in 2007. He held many roles including head of strategy and chief financial officer.
His final role was as chief operating officer for the wholesale bank division and was described as a much-respected employee and core member of the ABC management team.
Mr Sword participated in his first half-Ironman in Phuket in 2013 and helped launch the Bahrain Triathlon Club. He went on to participate in full distance Ironman competitions in Austria, South Africa and France, as well as events in Germany and South Africa. He had been planning to celebrate his 50th birthday in Transylvania with a race before tragedy struck.
“We are hoping that this event will be a launch-pad for a number of initiatives aimed at improving knowledge amongst cyclists and runners about the rules of the road and practical measures that they can take to minimise the risks that they face,” said Mr Axtell.
mai.alkhatib@gulfweekly.com
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