Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Jun 15/01) - Sixteen grand prize winners lined up in front of City Hall last Monday to collect their new bikes.
The kids lined up to reap the rewards of their performances at the Annual Bike Rodeo on Sunday, May 27.
Every year, children from kindergarten through Grade 6 participate in the event to test their biking skills and safety knowledge. They also take their chances at winning a free bike.
The overall top kids this year were Grade 2 student Paulina Ross and Saad Abdel-Megid, who is in Grade 4.
Altogether 188 youngsters took part this year.
According to rodeo co-ordinator city Const. Shep Amrow, there's more to the event than merely winning a free set of wheels.
"You can't stress enough bike safety in Yellowknife," Amrow said.
In order to participate, children must complete a written test conducted by their teachers.
While taking part in the rodeo, participants must don their helmets and have their bikes inspected by the fire department and K & W Cycle.
"It was lined up half-way up the parking lot," Amrow said.
Children were not the only was who turned in droves, said Amrow. Dozens of volunteers showed up as well.
"We couldn't have put this on without the volunteers who came out and sacrificed their Sunday to make sure this event happened," Amrow said.
"It was a 100 per cent success."
