Llori Sharpe initiates Ride for Relief

National cyclist Llori Sharpe, through her initiative Ride for Relief, is among the many athletes who are lending their support to rebuild Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa caused severe damage, especially to the western end of the island.

Although living in Europe, Sharpe felt the pain of her fellow Jamaicans.

"Like many, 'heartbreaking' is the word l'd use to describe the images and videos that l've seen on social media. It's painful to see people lose their homes, livelihoods and loved ones, and even more so under such devastating circumstances," she said.

As such, the Ride for Relief with Llori Sharpe campaign was started.

"The Ride for Relief is a charity ride that takes place on Zwift (a virtual cycling platform used by many globally). I chose this method given how vast the Jamaican (and wider Caribbean) diaspora is in the cycling world, and thought that's how I could garner support for Jamaica through cycling," Sharpe said.

Over 200 riders came together, raising just under US$8,000 (approximately J$1,280,000.00) to support those affected.

"Based on the stats I saw, riders across Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, US, UK, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St Lucia, Canada, and folks with Ethiopian, Eritrean, Mexican, Filipino and Japanese heritage but living in the United States (US) participated," she shared.

"Honestly, the ride exceeded my expectations. I wasn't entirely sure what the interest would've been like, but I made sure to reach out to those l've come across while racing in the US, as well as other Caribbean people l've interacted with while in their respective countries."

Sharpe admits that it will take a lot to rebuild the nation, but she will be playing her part.

"The funds raised by this initiative will go towards smaller rural communities, particularly in south Trelawny and parts of St Elizabeth, with use ranging from purchasing of materials to rebuild and cash payouts, to providing food and water."

She said helping these people, of which many are farmers, will eventually benefit the entire nation, as they are the main producers of farm produce which feeds the nation. She is calling on each one to help one, so that Jamaica can rise again.

"I believe a stronger sense of national building, and simply being there for and supporting one another, has and will continue to come out of this situation. While the circumstances are less than ideal, I think Jamaica will come out of this stronger, not just in terms of infrastructure, but with a sense of unity among our people," Sharpe said.

This supportive spirit is something she hopes will continue among other local cyclists, who are also hosting meets in aid of hurricane relief efforts for Jamaicans.

Sharpe said it is important to represent Jamaica on and off the track, especially at a time like this.

"Repping Jamaica, especially now, is extremely important. I'm sure many athletes can attest to how powerful Jamaican support is, and for me, the Ride for Relief and other initiatives done by other athletes are simple ways of giving back to a country that has elevated us."

sports@gleanerjm.com