Canadian company lends support to Old Harbour cycling club

Members of the Elevation Cycling Club had more reasons to continue their passion for riding after a donation from Dragonfly Ventures, an investment company based in Canada.

At a brief handover ceremony at the club’s home base at Bodles Crescent, Old Harbour, cyclists were issued with packaged items based on their needs.

The donations were made possible through the efforts of Jamaican couple Richard and Rosemarie Whorms after developing a working relationship with the local club.

“I see the kids riding and some of the times the bikes are not in the best shape, so I just want to do my part to help them out. It fills my heart when I give stuff to them and they really appreciated it and they really do need it,” Mrs Whorms, officer manager at Dragonfly Ventures, said.

She further stated that they will continue to lend their support to the club and is looking forward to see one of the riders elevate to the highest level in the sport. The Clarendonians say they are heartened by the commitment of the riders with the little resources available to them.

“These guys are doing it with simple bikes,” she continued, “so that’s why we want to make sure that the bikes are well taken care of and they have everything they need to ride safely.”
Richard, a native of Cockpit in Salt River, Clarendon, took up recreational cycling about eight years ago. Whenever he visits Jamaica he will take his bicycle and ride on the roads. That’s how he met members of the Elevation Cycling Club and started riding with the group whenever he’s in his homeland.

“I ride in this area and I will see these young guys riding,” he tells Old Harbour News. “I have some family members who are associated with the club and it’s our pleasure to help these guys as much as we can.”

Whorms, who is an employee at Ford Motors, said the Jamaicaness in him compelled him to help.

“We are generally kind people,” he added. “Jamaicans are kind, loving and giving people. No matter what you see or we faced, whenever there is a cooking going on or a celebration, we help and it’s just in us. Fortunately in this situation, my wife works for a company that’s very generous and they assisted in this.”

Jaequan Dixon, national junior champion and club member, says they are “immensely grateful” for the donation courtesy of the Whorms and Dragonfly Ventures, which he contends will take them close to “the big stage”.

“On behalf of the Elevation Cycling Club I want to extend our heartiest thank you for providing us with these much-needed resources and gear and equipment,” said fellow junior cyclist Peter Robinson. “Your investment in us as a club and the youth is a testament of your commitment to Jamaica and its development.

“I want to assure you that your ride will not be in vain and we will be future champions going all the way to Tour de France.”