The annual Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Police led Cycle Challenge took place for the fourth time recently with organisers expecting to have raised €30,000 for the Cyprus Anticancer Society and children’s charities, One Dream, One Wish and Little Heroes.
The event, which happened on 13 May, was supported by the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) First Lady, Philippa Karsera and SBA Administrator, Air Vice Marshal Peter Squires, saw cyclists start at Ayios Nicolaos and finish 150 kilometres later at Curium in Episkopi.
The cyclists passed through districts in both the RoC and SBAs – Famagusta, Larnaca and Limassol ended with a closing ceremony at Curium Theatre.
SBA Police Chief Constable, Chris Eyre, who took part in the cycle challenge himself, explained the importance of the event.
He said: ‘’Once again, we held a charity cycle ride, raising money to help Cypriot children with cancer and other life limiting conditions.
‘’It is a privilege to work with such inspirational charities who do invaluable work every day.
‘’This is the fourth charity cycle ride we have held since 2019 and each year I am humbled by the communities and businesses across Cyprus who give so generously to support the charities and change the lives of children in need.
‘’I am inspired by the SBA officers and community partners who spend months planning to make the event possible’’.
Speaking after the event, on behalf of the three Charity Organisations, George Penintaex, from One Dream, One Wish, said:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude on behalf of One Dream, One Wish, Little Heroes and the Cyprus Anticancer Association to the Authorities of the British Bases in Cyprus, for their altruism and offer to children and young people suffering from various forms of cancer, regardless of nationality, religion, skin colour, financial and social status.
“Through the Cycle Challenge and the collection of money organised by the SBA Police, very important wishes and desires of our young cancer patients will be fulfilled, in the context of a psychological support program, and their families will be financially supported.
“The Association ‘One Dream, One Wish’ publicly extends a big ‘thank you’ to all the contributors for the success of the Cycle Challenge, especially to the cyclists who participated and the organising team.”
Donations were also collected by SBA Police officers from surrounding schools within the Bases and the Republic of Cyprus. During the collections, students presented a variety of arts and crafts and dancing and singing, all related to child cancer and cycling.
Donations will continue to be accepted until the end of October.
