Over the next four days, 8 cyclists will ride 331 miles to raise $80,000. No it's not a race, it is the Social Security Board's fourth annual Ride Across Belize. It is a charity ride from Corozal to Toledo and the participants completed the first 82 miles this morning. At 5:30 a.m. the ride began in front of the Social Security Board's Office in Corozal. We were there when they completed the first leg, five and a half hours later in Belize City.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Shortly before midday, 48 cyclists cruised onto Princess Margaret Drive. Their destination was the Social Security Board's Belize City office. We say cruised because while recognized riders like Mateo Cruz and Gina Lovell were in the pack, this wasn't a race. This was a ride and they were in it for the fun of it, and for a good cause.
Gina Lovell, Participant
"I've done it for four years, I like to support people and give them motivation."
Keith Swift,
What is it like out there?
Gina Lovell,
"It is fun, we all have fun and we help each other."
Keith Swift,
You are an experienced cyclist, how does this compare to the races you participate in?
Gina Lovell,
"Well I know there a lot of first timers out there so I support them and help them to finish the race and talk to them."
Keith Swift,
Why did you decide to participate in the ride across Belize?
James Scott, Participant
"I heard Jules Vasquez was going to ride so I thought I would ride."
Mateo Cruz, Participant
"Ever since they had the ride I have always been interested. Its something
I've always wanted to do, to give back to the society and to the public because people always support us with Cross Country and all other races so to me it is just something I'm giving back to the community and I just feel good about it and every year I take my time out from my vacation and I just do it because of something that is instilled in me. "
But Mateo and Gina were in the minority, most of the participants were amateur riders. Example A is Dr. Carol Fonseca, the Director of the Women's Department.
Dr. Carol Fonseca, Director - Women's Department
"I think it is very important for organizations like the Women's Department to get involved especially when the funds are going to be going towards such a worthy cause this year."
Keith Swift,
I know you said you rode a short distance. What was it like out there for you?
Dr. Carol Fonseca,
"Believe me, I am thankful today that the sun wasn't out as it has been for the past few days. "
Keith Swift,
Are you going to continue the ride or is this it for you?
Dr. Carol Fonseca,
"This is it for me Keith, this is all that I can do."
One man who plans on completing the race is Rolando Zetina. He is the SSB's Chief Executive Officer.
Rolando Zetina, CEO - SSB
"I've been participating for the last four years, this is my fourth time and the reason I participate is because I believe in giving back to the community. Sometimes we sit in an office and
we really sometimes forget the people out there that need our help so that is real reason why I ride, to give back to the community in an indirect way."
The Ride Across Belize is a staff initiative but Zetina says the board will match whatever amount is raised.
Rolando Zetina,
"It is a staff initiative, of course fully supported by the board of directors. It is important because we are raising funds for two deserving institutions, Haven House and Helpage in Dangriga. They have some projects that they want to complete and we know they are short of funds so we decided this year they will be the deserving institutions."
The SSB hopes to raise $80,000 which will be shared between the two charities. Dorla Rosado is from Haven House - a shelter for battered women.
Dorla Rosado, Haven House
"The primary purpose will be to build a third transitional house which will be to house women who are leaving the shelter and who may have no where to go, they can't return to the home they came form and there is nowhere else for them to go and the house will be used to house them and their children for up to a period of three months. "
The riders will depart from Belize City tomorrow and head off to Belmopan and then San Ignacio. On Saturday they will leave San Ignacio for Dangriga and on Sunday the final leg will be from Dangriga to Punta Gorda. Again the target is $80,000 that includes money from the Social Security Board. You can donate to the cause by contacting the Social Security Board in Belmopan or into Belize Bank account number 20012449.
