It’s a cause for life and surviving illness – James

5th Digicel Breast Cancer Cycle Race…

The annual Digicel Breast Cancer Cycle race is five years old this year and the

Head of Marketing of the telecommunications giant, Jacqueline James posited that the event is one not to only bring awareness but also a cause for celebration come October 30.

From left: Digicel’s Senior Sponsorship Manager, Louanna Abrams, Raynauth Jeffrey, Marketing Manager Jacqueline James, Club Secretary Andrew Arjoon, President of Team Evolution, Keith Fernandes
From left: Digicel’s Senior Sponsorship Manager, Louanna Abrams, Raynauth Jeffrey, Marketing Manager Jacqueline James, Club Secretary Andrew Arjoon, President of Team Evolution, Keith Fernandes

Speaking at press conference at the company’s headquarters in Kingston on Friday James said “It is a cause for life and surviving illness that they are in society, while we want to boost the awareness of breast cancer, we still want to celebrate since we have those persons who survived.”
The Marketing head further disclosed that this year, the event will be dedicated to Digicel’s member of staff, Sharon Khan, who has had her own battles with the disease.
“We have taken the event to another level, it is not just about recognizing Breast Cancer but all Cancers because they are persons suffering from all different types of cancer in society and one such person is our very own Sharon Khan, whom I wish to dedicate the race to.”
James added “She has been an inspiration to us here at Digicel and this is just us recognizing her passion and dedication towards Digicel and to the fight against cancer.”
The race will not only be used as test for local cyclist but the funds gained will be donated towards the Cancer society and is urging all persons to come and participate whether they are amateurs or professionals since it is a charitable activity.
“All participants are required to pay a registration fee of $1,000 and Digicel will match the total fees collected and donate the money to the Cancer society on behalf of all racers and staff” James explained.
Similarly, Andrew Arjoon, Secretary of the organizing cyclist club, Team Evolution explained that there will be over seven categories contested and made an appeal to persons to participate in the novices event since it just 4 laps and caters for females and mountain bikes.
“We would like to use this to encourage people who cycle recreationally to get involved, relatively speaking it’s a short race and we are encouraging as many people possible to participate, Arjoon stated.
Meanwhile, club President Keith Fernandes thanked Digicel for allowing his club to manage this race for the second year in a row, stating that “last year we had our minor hiccups but it was a success.”
Fernandes revealed that he “expects in excess of 70 cyclists since everyone is looking forward to the event and it should be very competitive and exciting.”
Last year’s race was won by Raynauth Jeffrey in a time of 3:15:32, with Jaime Romeirs (3:16:01) and Marlon Williams (3:16:23) riding in second and third respectively.
Jeffery, quizzed on his preparations in the quest to defend his title explained that he spent three months in Colombia with Team Coco after which returned to compete in the several local events which has given him confidence heading into the race.
The feature event will be of 30 laps around the outer circuit of the National Park, beginning at Camp Ayanganna, Irving Street heading into Carifesta Avenue then to Camp Street then up Thomas Lands.
The main event will commence after the novices and consist of juniors, seniors while the veterans (under 45 and over 45) will finish after 18 laps.
When action begins at 8:00h, first to third place in the seniors will be gunning for the winning purse of $250,000, $200,000 and $150,000 respectively.