Ride for Hope tours beautiful Eleuthera
Bahamians and visitors will strike a major blow for the fight against cancer on Saturday, April 9, when the Ride for Hope is held on Eleuthera.
The Ride for Hope, presented by Odyssey Aviation, is a registered charity that conducts its principal fundraising event in Eleuthera through a massive bike ride. The event is designed for people of all ages and cycling abilities.
“Back in 2006 when we got started, we thought that if we had 30 riders and raised 50 grand, we’d have a great weekend,” said Stephen Holowesko, one of the founders of Ride for Hope. “We had 101 riders and raised $180,000 and each year it’s gotten bigger and bigger.”
Funds from the event assist several programs and groups, including the Bahamas Breast Cancer Initiative, the Cancer Caring Centre and the Cancer Society of the Bahamas. Support for the Ride for Hope comes from Bahamian and non-Bahamian riders and their supporters.
“If cancer were just a uniquely Bahamian issue, we wouldn’t see that much financial support from overseas,” Mr. Holowesko said. “That’s the sad and frightening element of this disease. You have this commonality and everyone’s united in their fear of it and their effort to fight against it.”
Tyrone Sawyer, director of Sports Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, says “This event allows persons to visit and partake in the wonders of what truly makes it better in the Bahamas while helping our fellow man.”
The Ride for Hope is an annual event that unites cancer survivors, caretakers, health professionals, corporate citizens, local volunteers and international supporters in the cause to fight cancer.
