By VICKI BROWN
Colleton County High School’s Naval Junior ROTC unit won first place for the Best Stop at the Tour de Lowcountry bicycle race, hosted by the Colleton County Rice Festival.
There were three stops located throughout the race’s route.
The NJROTC cadets were responsible for one of those stops that provided water and snacks for the cyclists. The teens kept the riders supplied with whatever they needed during the race.
The cadets cheered for the cyclists and encouraged them to make it to the end of the race as they stopped for water. With colorful signs and red, white and blue decorations, the stop was a popular one, especially for the Army veterans who were riding for the Wounded Warriors project.
“We received wonderful thanks for a job well done from all Cyclists who stopped in to get refreshments and stretch. The NJROTC had a blast working this community event and strives to continue keeping our youth involved in the community every chance we get,” said chaperone Becky Roy, in a written statement. The cadets who attended to work the station were Cadet Petty Officer 2nd Class Amy Rosa; Cadet Ensign Leslish Sosa-Perez; Cadet Chief Petty Officer McKenzie Seigler; and Cadet Chief Petty Officer Keane Hickman.
The Tour de Lowcountry bicycle racers leave Walterboro and cycle through the Lowcountry, passing rice fields and plantations such as White Hall Plantation, Bluff Plantation and Cherokee Plantation with stops along the way with food and drinks. The 32-mile ride turns around at Bluff Plantation and then back to Walterboro. This year, approximately 150 cyclists from all over the United States came to participate in the race.
