Pictured at the bottom, David Morales of Island Life Adventures donated materials, bike helmets and expertise to clinic. Photo Credit: XAWNTOIA FRANKLIN
On Monday morning, the basketball court of the Aureo Diaz Heights housing community was filled with children pushing their broken bikes in front of them, hoping to get them fixed. The “bike clinic” to repair or tune up bikes was an initiative of local youth group “Kings & Queens”, who dubbed the event a “great success”.
The event was a true community effort, with organizations including Island Life Adventures Bike Shop, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, the Aureo Diaz Heights Resident Council, and the Bahá'í Community of St. Croix all coming together to support the event. Over a dozen individual volunteers from the community also joined in.
Altogether, 21 bikes were repaired as a result of the initiative. While awaiting service, children were encouraged to participate in arts & craft activities, perform community cleanup, and partake of the refreshments that were provided. Local musical artist Prya stopped by for an impromptu performance, showcasing his latest single (Just For You ft. Sizzla) and speaking to youngsters about the importance of planning for a positive future.
A raffle for a brand new bike was won by 8-year old Temari Murray, who allowed his mother to take the first ride on his prize.
