The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THEY are known for creating the Bahamas’ toughest obstacle course, and now the Chickcharney Chirren are back with “Out Da Bush”, yet another thrilling challenge to be held at Clifford Park this Saturday.

It was just last year when four friends came together to start a unique company. One had the dream, the second had the creative prowess, the third was methodical, and the fourth had unequalled drive.

Together they formed the Chickcharney Chirren.

They designed an obstacle course where participants last February ran, jumped and clawed their way through what coordinators and challengers called the “toughest event on the island”.

Due to great feedback, they held a second challenge two months later, securing Chickcharney Challenge’s reputation as a not-to-be-missed fitness event in the Bahamas.

Adding a bit more creativity to the challenge, the group is back with the third edition – the Chickcharney Relays.

And this time, spectators can get up close and personal with the competitors.

For just $3, from 9am to 4pm, they can watch as teams push through more than 15 obstacles to be the first in getting their baton around this 400 plus metre course.

There will be prizes for the winners and fun for spectators who participate as well.

Organisers said this will not be about strength, but all about heart.

Part proceeds will benefit the Bahamas National Council For Disability, as well as relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Joaquin.

“The relays are something completely different.

“The first two events, they weren’t exactly what we wanted, but of course it was new and no one really knew what it was or how to take it on.

“The relays are different; it’s now a team sport. Now we are taking it to a level where you have to rely and trust each other,” said Chester Robards, Chickcharney Chirren CEO.

He said the fun day will not only test participants’ physical strengths, but mental abilities as well. Unlike a marathon or a triathlon, Mr Robards said the challenge will test a person’s upper body strength and place them in positions that they don’t usually test their strength in.

For example, crawling and pulling themselves up the challenge ropes.

As for the ladies feeling a little unsure about the challenge, Mr Robards said no fear, because the women who participated in the inaugural event were in as much of a “beast mode” as the men.

“I think the Chickcharney Challenge will teach them as well as other people that you have to change your exercise routine and add certain things.

“For the 4x4, it is going to give all participants a chance to do the entire course by themselves and pass the baton on to their team members.

“Then we are going to have a 4x1 whereas the team would then need to choose the person who is best at a quarter of the course to run that part of the obstacles. There is some strategy to it,” said Mr Robards.

As always, he encourages participants to have fun with the challenge and continue to test their strengths at the same time. He said the Chickcharney Challenge is a “no judgment zone”, so no one should be ashamed if they have difficulty in completing a particular obstacle.

“We are going to have music and food while spectators watch these people go through these obstacle courses.

“People can sit in the stands at the park or bring lounge cheers, whichever is their preference,” said Mr Robards.

For more information, readers are encouraged to contact 457-0931 or e-mail chickcharneychirren@gmail.com.