Over one hundred people have
pre-registered to participate in a fitness extravaganza set to take place in
Abaco later this month.
The third annual Great Abaco
Family Fitness Weekend, scheduled for the weekend of March 21 to 23rd
in Treasure Cay, is set to draw participants from all over The Bahamas, the US,
Canada and the UK. Domestic tourism is a
key draw, with participants traveling to the event from Nassau, Freeport and
across Abaco.
At the packed weekend of events,
participants will have the chance to compete (or just have fun) in any or all
of the following: an open water swim, a Sprint or Olympic triathlon, a five
kilometre and ten kilometre running race, a one mile kids’ race, a paddleboard
event, and for those who want to fine tune their cheering skills – a cheerleading clinic.
And if not totally convinced
that they can handle the challenge, participants can be inspired by a visiting
athlete, US-based double arm amputee and triathlete Hector Picard, who will not
only compete in the events despite his disability, but will be on hand to
motivate other participants.
Among his many incredible
talents: being able to change a bike tyre with no hands. Picard will also speak to students at ECC and
Forest Heights Academy.
Lee McCoy, event coordinator for
GAFFW, said: “We’re very excited about the weekend. We’re ahead of last year in
terms of registrations and so we’re looking for a good turnout this year. We’ve
even got a 15-person group from Freeport which is chartering a plane to come
over.”
Anyone who wishes to take part
in the fun-packed athletic weekend can still do so: online registration closes
on Wednesday March 19th, while final registration for the triathlon events will
be available up until Friday afternoon at the event itself. Those wishing to participate in the 5k/10k
run/walk can register on the morning of, but pre-registration is
recommended. Those in Abaco can register
at the Friends of the Environment office in Marsh Harbour.
The GAFFW takes place in
picturesque Treasure Cay. Last year the event saw the Treasure Cay Resort sold
out, and it’s not hard to see why, said McCoy. “It’s on one of the most scenic
beaches in the world – a seven mile white sand beach. It’s just a beautiful
location; plus the roads are flat for biking and it’s a great place to run because
there is no traffic.”
The GAFFW raises money for two
local charitable organizations, the Rotary Club of Abaco and Friends of the
Environment. Visit www.GAFFW.com for
more information.
Hector Picard to participate in the Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend 2014