The Optimist Club of Anguilla had a very successful “Race Against AIDS” which began early on Sunday morning with a dash in the sea at Meads Bay and continued with running and walking competitions from various points.

Race winners in all categories

In the men’s half marathon, the winners were Pamenos Ballantyne of St. Vincent; second was Dale Johanson of Antigua and in third place was Jermaine Branne also of Antigua.

The winners of the half marathon for women were Alison Howard of St. Maarten, first; Heather White also of St. Maarten, second; and third was Monique Latoya of Antigua.

In both the men and women categories, the first prize was US$1,000; second prize, US$500 and third prize, US$250. They were each awarded a trophy as well.

The 10-kilometre race saw participating male and female athletes in various age groups ranging from under 18 to 35. The first place winners were Ayo Simon of Antigua (male under 18); Jonica Richardson (female under 18); Andre King of Anguilla (male 18-25); and Regan Bertolette of USA (female 18-25).

In the over 36 category, the male winner was Jorgen Lundren of Sweden and the female winner was Lizanne Searing of USA.

The 5k walk drew the largest number of participants. Those who secured first places were Giovanni Helinger (male under 12); Candace Lacey (female under 12); Carlton Gumbs (male under 12); Julesha Connor (female 13-18); David Bala (male 13-18); Vestav Londe (female 19-35); Lestia Gibbons (female over 35); and Antigua Oswald Baptiste (male winner over 35 category).

The trophies and cups were presented to the winners by President of the Optimist Club, Jerome Roberts, and Optimist Emma Ferguson who chaired the programme.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, a participant in the race, congratulated the Optimist Club for its contribution to the awareness of HIV/AIDS.

“We need to raise awareness because 33.2 million people are living with HIV now,” she said. “22.5 million people were newly-infected this year and 2.1 million people died this year. It is therefore important that we continue to raise awareness. Stigma and discrimination is still fuelling the epidemic and people are afraid to come forward and get tested and therefore they do not get to access affordable life-saying drugs.”

Following her address, Roberts presented a plaque to John Lake in recognition of his strong advocacy in the fight against the disease. Lake, who is attached to the Anguilla HIV/AIDS Programme Office, is living with the disease. He emphasied the need for persons in Anguilla to get tested and, if infected, to obtain treatment with effective and life-saving medication at affordable prices.

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