Butterfield has invested in the island’s future cycling stars with its sponsorship of the Guernsey Velo Club’s Delancey Flyers Racing League.
The Delancey Flyers is a cycle racing league for children aged between 6 and 14 years old, which takes place at Delancey Park. Around 140 young cyclists gather every Wednesday to race, taking on the programme’s weekly mountain bike course. There is also a training group which meets in between races to learn new skills and develop race technique.
Butterfield is sponsoring the racing league throughout 2021, helping with operational costs and equipment expenses.
Guernsey Velo Club President Mark Smith said: “There are a number of background expenses needed to run the league and, without support, we simply wouldn’t be able to do what we do on the same scale. Butterfield’s sponsorship has put a number of our volunteers through the British Cycling coaching programme. It also contributes towards website and timing system subscriptions and helps to fund resources needed for the young people to race such as ramps, insurance, park maintenance and tape to map the course out.”
Richard Saunders, Managing Director of Butterfield in the Channel Islands, said: “Butterfield is very passionate about investing in and supporting the communities that we call home. Sponsoring the Delancey Flyers is a fantastic opportunity to nurture the island’s up-and-coming sporting talent and champion an initiative that encourages children to be active doing a sport they enjoy.
“My son is a keen cyclist, so I have experienced first-hand how much initiatives like this mean to the younger generation and how it provides a space for them to explore a new sport, push their boundaries, and have loads of fun while doing so. We’re very proud to support the Flyers.”
Mark added: “The league is a great introduction to competitive cycling for some of our younger members, all in a fun and friendly environment. Many of our members go on to compete in our more senior leagues and events and the Flyers is great preparation for that.”
A great example of how the league has led to a lifelong passion is local cyclist Sam Culverwell, who started in the Flyers and is now an elite cyclist for Trinity Racing Club, competing internationally.
