The launch of the ‘Be Active, Be Safe’ initiative was ‘wheely-successful’ as hundreds of youngsters and their families cycled and ran around the iconic Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).
Family and friends of top banker Allan Sword, who was tragically killed a year ago in a hit-and-run accident, staged yesterday’s event with the support from BIC officials to help promote safe sporting environments and habits.
The ‘Be Active, Be Safe’ initiative, held in association with St Christopher’s Cathedral, was 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.
“Today has been such a great success; a fabulous turn-out enjoyed by all and what we hope will be the start of many more ‘Be Active, Be Safe’ events in the memory of Allan,” said Ms Sword. “A big ‘thank you’ to BIC for allowing us to use the F1 track.”
The Bahrain Triathlon Club, founded by the late Mr Sword, set out on the track at 7am. Demonstrating the broad appeal of this initiative they were closely followed around the circuit by the all-female Bahraini-founded Cycling Bees.
Incredible
Running races for a variety of children’s age-groups commenced at 8.30am organised by the Bahrain Road Runners, starting with a 200m sprint for the youngest and culminating with a 1km race for the oldest age group.
It was an incredible sight to behold as hundreds of children, often chased and encouraged by parents and family members, raced shoulder-to-shoulder towards the finish line.
Many children were already asking organisers when the next race would happen while parents were extremely grateful to be able to encourage their children to be active in such a safe setting.
As the prize-giving took place in the shadow of the impressive VIP Tower many more arrived to take to the track, welcoming the cool breeze along the main straight, despite it forcing more pedal power.
Music was played by DJ Costa and there were also food and coffee trucks for relaxation, as well as bouncy castles and candy floss for children.
LuLu Hypermarket provided healthy snacks for attendees and Aqua Cool kept everyone hydrated. Ryde will also be offering static bikes in the entertainment area for those that wanted to exert even more energy.
Funds were raised to support an 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, added Mr Axtell.
“We were pleased that the British and Indian embassies are also supportive of this initiative that is geared towards saving lives,” he said. Support also came from ABC Bank, AXA, Team Bahrain Victorious and the GDN, alongside LuLu and Aqua Cool.
Mr Sword, 48, a Scottish expatriate and father to university students Halle, 19, and Gregor, 20, was killed on November 6 last year. He had been cycling with friends early in the morning on Wali Al Ahad Road, near Hamala.
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.
His parents, Irene, 81, and David, 87, travelled from Scotland to Bahrain to lend their support to this event. “As massive motorsport fans this was the perfect venue to launch this campaign and we are all hugely grateful for their hospitality,” Mr Sword Snr added.
Clarke Morton-Shepherd, co-founder of the event and a former triathlon colleague of Allan, said: “It was tremendously important to all of us to be able to commemorate Allan in this way.
“As we cycled and ran around together we reminisced about his many quotes and catchphrases. Most importantly, it was the start of a legacy that we hope will be beneficial to young and old of all nationalities here in Bahrain as we aim to encourage families to have fun and be active together but to take sensible precautions.
“The event wouldn’t have been such a success without the help of our sponsors – although it’s superb that they are all being pro-active in supporting this campaign. By popular demand we are already planning the next event!”
The BIC’s head of marketing and communications, Laurence Jones, told the GDN that it was ‘a privilege’ for the circuit to be involved in Allan’s memorial event.
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