Thrills and spills as Bartica Regatta kicks off

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, April 20, 2019

The Mongrippa Hill ball field in Bartica, came alive on Easter Saturday, with laughter, fun and enjoyment as Bartica residents and visitors bore witness to pulse racing and heart-stopping grass track racing.

The grass track event on Easter Saturday forms part of the calendar of events for this year’s Bartica Regatta. The races were included about two years ago after the event moved from Cow Island and officially took up residence at the then abandoned ball field which had to be graded to suit the motorsport.

The Red Earth Riders Sports Club organised the races in conjunction with the Mayor and Town Council of Bartica. Riders included: Andrew ‘Dare Devil’ Wong, Dave Young, Bobby Rasul, Dale Hareen and Steven Vieira.

There was a total of four (4) BMX races today for the youths. Girls Under-12, Boys Under-10, 13 and 15.

The races began as early as 11:00hrs with cycling for younger boys, then advanced to the senior stages. Among the winners today was Dave Young in the raptor race. He also placed second in the side by side race.

Young told the Department of Public Information (DPI), his win was as a result of hard work. “I practised. You have to put in the work, condition your body, have a proper diet… I feel great, hard work pays off.”

Spectators told us that this event, which is now a main attraction during the regatta, not only brings families together but also builds Bartica’s tourism portfolio.

“I’m having a good time,” said 13-year-old Bartica resident Jazwan Seenarine

“This is good for Bartica; we have a lot to offer” noted another resident Rawle Porter

“To my friends and family who are not here, you are missing out, try not to miss regatta next year,” urged visitor Cindy Lynch.

Female footballer, Lisa Perreira said the event is good for the community as it fosters and builds cohesion among the residents.

Easter Saturday in Bartica will include several events; a street party called the “Road Jam” and the annual Bartica Regatta Pageant.

These will be followed by the much-anticipated boat racing competitions on Easter Sunday and Monday.

Felecia Valenzuela.

Image: Ameer Sattaur & Tejpaul Bridgemohan.

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