Now in its twentieth year, Ashley & Sons Road Race has grown into a considerably large sporting event from a mere single race in 1994.
The event, on Sunday, March 9, in the public road outside the family’s supermarket in The Valley, was a riot of colour as children, attired in the varied colours of their schools, participated in the sporting activities. They represented the six public Primary Schools, the privately-run Central Baptist Primary School and the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.
As part of the anniversary observance, Ashley & Sons donated seven BM bicycles to the schools for use in the race. “Being the twentieth anniversary, we felt that we should do something very special to honour our father,” said Connie Brooks, speaking on behalf of the family. “It was truly visionary for him to have looked into the future and see how important this race would have been in the lives of the youths and to empower them to be all they can be. We feel honoured to be able to carry on our dad’s legacy and to empower our young people. If there is ever a time that we, as a nation, need to invest in our youngsters, it is now.”
Ms Brooks was presented with a plaque by Mrs Lorna Rogers, President of the Anguilla Amateur Athletic Association, as a token of appreciation to the family.
Mr Kenn Banks, Past President of the Association, recalled that the late Mr Brooks had readily agreed to sponsor the first road race when he was approached in 1994. He said when Brooks saw the enthusiasm of the young people, he undertook to continue to sponsor the annual event named after his business. “We therefore need to thank Mr Brooks for that dedication. He has started a legacy which we hope will continue far into the future,” Banks added.
Mr Haydn Hughes, Parliamentary Secretary responsible for sports, said the event was indicative of the contribution of the late businessmen to the Anguillian community as a whole. “We must commend Mr Brooks for the support he has given to the social development of the island and for the legacy he has left,” he stated. “We must also commend his children for carrying on that legacy. Just as he has supported us, I hope that support will be reciprocated and that we too will support his family and their business, Ashley & Sons Supermarket.”
The opening ceremony and the sporting event were chaired by Mrs Anita Ruan, Guidance Coordinator at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.
The results of the road race were as follows:
Primary School Girls Relay
1st Valley Primary
2nd Adrian T. Hazell Primary
3rd Morris Vanterpool Primary
4th Alwyn Allison Primary
5th Vivien Vanterpool
ALHCS Girls Relay
1st Yellow House
2nd Pink House
3rd Orange House
Primary School Boys Relay
1st Valley Primary
2nd Adrian T. Hazell Primary
3rd Orealia Kelly Primary
4th Central Christian Primary
5th Morris Vanterpool Primary
6th Vivien Vanterpool Primary
7th Alwyn Allison Primary
ALHCS Boys Relay
1st Yellow House
2nd Pink House
3rd Orange House
4th Purple House
5th Purple House
Bike Race Girls
1st Valley Primary
2nd Vivien Vanterpool Primary
3rd Adrian T. Hazell Primary
4th Alwyn Allison Primary
5th Morris Vanterpool Primary
6th Orealia Kelly Primary
Bike Race Boys
1st Valley Primary
2nd Alwyn Allison Primary
3rd Adrian T. Hazel Primary
4th Morris Vanterpool Primary
5th Central Christian Primary
6th Orealia Kelly Primary
7th Vivien Vanterpool Primary
