The Rotary Club of Tortola Donates $15,000 to the BSAFE Programme for Kids

by Deon Morgan Before a child is barely walking, I believe we all watch with interest how the child becomes excited at the sight of wheels. Children want to ride, push, spin and experiment on that wheeled thing driving fear into their caretakers if any such experiment involves flying through air on wheels or even suspended on one of two wheels whilst the wheeled object is in motion. Chris Ghiorse isn't afraid. He understands the importance, however, of showing children how to use wheels for fun whilst doing so safely. Chris is executing BSAFE (Bicycle Safety For Everyone), which currently includes children only. He is giving kids an opportunity to ride bicycles with proper guidance and supervision, and he is letting parents know that riding promotes healthy lifestyles for children. President Lorna of the Rotary Club of Tortola endorsed BSAFE as a wholesome avenue for children to enjoy themselves and on Thursday, September 23, 2010 IPP Leroy made the presentation of $15, 000.00 to the BSAFE programme.  IPP Leroy expressed pleasure in the timing of the presentation. He stated "it is fitting that we make this presentation during Rotary's New Generations Month, for this contribution is another way in which Rotary is supporting youth in our BVI community." Since 2009/2010 the club had considered the importance of funding at least one youth programme and part of the proceeds raised from the club's signature fund-raising event in 2010, 'Virgin Affair', was earmarked for the BSAFE programme. At least four days of each week, a trail of little ones outfitted in the BSAFE colours of yellow and black, is seen on bicycles riding through the festival grounds with their instructor, Chris Ghiorse.  To date over 500 kids have graduated from BSAFE and Mr. Ghiorse continues to find fulfillment in mentoring more kids through the programme.  "Rotary is making a very generous contribution to BSAFE" he said "and has stepped in at a time when the economic challenges within the BVI have put a strain on support organized by the Ministry of Education." Mr. Ghiorse expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of Tortola and spoke of leadership provided for the kids of BSAFE. He has given 600 plus helmets, a few bicycles, a few t-shirts among other material in support of the programme. Since the start of the BSAFE in October 2008, the programme has taken the kids through two easter camps and taught students at all 10 public schools on Tortola. During the school year BSAFE teaches classes after school, and Mr. Ghiorse hopes eventually to "have graduates of the BSAFE program that will be old enough to go on a road course." He said that " right now everything I teach is on the festival grounds or other non-road locations the few times [the students] have been on the road were for special events like the Queen's Baton Relay, the August festival parade,support for Olympic solidarity, etc" Mr. Ghiorse is a Rotarian.