Two-day Cycle Challenge raises €55,000

The Sovereign Base Area Police’s third annual Cycle Challenge in co-operation with the Republic of Cyprus Police took place between October 29-30 and organisers have confirmed it will raise more than €55,000 for the Cyprus Anticancer Society and children’s charities, One Dream, One Wish and Little Heroes.

The event, which was supported by the RoC First Lady Andri Anastasiades and SBA Administrator Major General Rob Thomson, saw cyclists start day one in Polis Chrysochous in Paphos and finish 80 kilometres later at Aphrodite Hills.

Day two, saw two different groups starting in Ayia Napa and Avdimou village respectively and pass through various districts of both the RoC and SBAs, covering a further 140 kilometres.

The two groups met at Kofinou village and cycled up to “Eleftherias” square in Nicosia late in the afternoon, where a closing ceremony was organised by Nicosia Municipality authorities.

Both the RoC and SBA Police forces pride themselves on the close bonds forged with the local communities and this latest fund-raising effort was another great example of that.

SBA Police Chief Constable, Chris Eyre, who took part in the cycle challenge himself, explained why he was so keen to support the event.

He said: ‘’This year we wanted to involve Cyprus Police and to visit communities in every police division to show our collective commitment to helping children in need.

‘’I am immensely proud of the SBA Police team, who spent six months planning and organising the event and raising the sponsorship from businesses, communities and individuals from across Cyprus.

‘’I am equally grateful for the exceptional support given by Major General Thompson and British Forces Cyprus Cycling Club. Their presence, support and leadership throughout the cycle ride made a marked impact in every community we passed through.

‘’Finally, the involvement of Cyprus Police on the day ensured safe passage for the pelotons and a marvelous final reception for the cyclists as we arrived in Nicosia.’’

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 both police forces from the British Bases and the RoC, the Bases Administrator, Major General Rob Thomson, the Police Chief Constable, Chris Eyre, all the cyclists, contributors and sponsors.

‘’Our charity associations help children and adults who are suffering from different types of cancer no matter what their nationality, religion, skin colour, financial and social status is. Just like love has no boundaries, the same applies for pain. We all live under the same sky.”

The final total is yet to be calculated as donations are still being accepted until the end of November.