Scores of people gathered in the George Town Harbor to watch 10 companies put their best beds forward, competing in a race to raise money for Rotary International’s polio eradication program, Polio Plus.
Before the race beds were judged on their design, by judges including former Miss Cayman Lindsay Japal and Minister of Health Osbourne Bodden.
The race kicked off at 2 p.m., earlier than anticipated due to unforeseen weather changes, but overall everything went smoothly, according to organizers.
“The weather changed, so the cruise ship passengers had to unload [in George Town] instead of Royal Watler [Terminal], but it was good because they ended up coming and donating money,” said past president of Rotary Central, Fiona Moseley, who spearheaded the event.
“We had a lot of people out and everyone was raring to go. I think it was better than last year,” she said.
During the race, volunteers collected donations and onlookers enjoyed an array of raffle prizes, music and beverages, including the popular “Swanky juice.”
Companies got creative with their bed designs, once of which featured a James Bond theme, with racers dressed in full suits and tuxedos.
Stuart Jessop, CFO of Advantage International Management, said he had fun with co-workers entering their bobsled bed in the race.
“For team building it was great. Everybody pulled together and a lot of people from the company came out to support, which was great,” said Mr. Jessop.
He added that it took a number of weeks for staff to build their bed, and that he “couldn’t take any credit” for their hard work. Despite the hours they put into the sled on wheels, it did not run well on the course.
“It’s made of cardboard and not quite as sturdy as it needs to be, so we will come back stronger next year,” said Mr. Jessop. He encourages other companies to get involved next year. “It’s great, and it’s good fun and it’s for a very good cause.”
Of the 10 companies who competed, ElectraTech won first place, followed shortly by Deloitte, who took the silver. The bed race was a combined effort of all the local Rotary clubs in the Cayman Islands. Money raised will go toward eradicating polio, which still remains endemic in Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
The amount of money raised was not available by press time.
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