Looking for a fun family day out this weekend? The popular annual Police Gymkhana is being held tomorrow, offering a variety of cycling events for children of all ages.

Hundreds of young people are expected to attend this year, according to the chair of the organising committee, Sergeant Clifford Roberts.

“The aim and focal point of the gymkhana is to foster relationships of our youth with past and present police officers, reserve police officers and our support staff,” he said. “Over the years the numbers have grown from 98 children to close to 300. We are anticipating many more this year.

“During the day the children will participate in an assortment of cycling events — sprints, obstacle course, last man out, dress up and many more — prepared by Sgt Darren ‘Shakee’ Glasford.

“They will also be able to mingle and talk with officers and ask questions — not just about the Bermuda Police Service but about life, our community. There will be fun castles, Ashley’s Lemonade, Confection Cookies, complimentary raffles for participants to win a pedal cycle, and complimentary lunch and T-shirts for the participating children.”

Sgt Roberts said the service was also hoping that members of Noble Automotive would take part — the workshop at CedarBridge Academy helps to train aspiring mechanics from the school, male and female, and some of their handiwork was on display at last year’s Police Week.

Cycle shops Bicycle Works and Winners Edge will also attend to help any of the participants in need of minor adjustments to their bikes, while youth members of the Bermuda Bicycle Association and the Bermuda Cycle Academy will display some of their skills and answer questions.

“The main reason why this event is popular and continues to be so is because those who participate have a fun time within a safe environment,” Sgt Roberts said. “For the adults who come out, it brings back memories to the days when this same event took place at Bernard’s Park and the Somerset Cricket Club. During those days the event included go-karts and bikes that were put together. If it had wheels it took part.”

Sgt Roberts has been helping to organise the gymkhana since 2007, when the event was revived. It was first held in the late 1960s and ran for about 20 years.

Topping things off this year will be the “big boss race”, Sgt Roberts said.

“The Commissioner of Police, Chief Fire Officer, Collector of Customs, Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the Commandant of the HM Prison will participate in a race for bragging rights,” he added.

The gymkhana, from 10am until 4pm at Police Field, is one of a series of community events being held as part of Police Week.

For more information about the gymkhana and to register your child, contact Sgt Roberts on 717-0590 or e-mail croberts2@bps.bm