17 January, 2001

[Freeport, Grand Bahama - 17th January 2001] The rigors of a marathon run were not new for school teacher Catherine Hindley. But running in 32 degree weather was new. However, it did little to hinder Mrs Hindley in her quest to complete the Disney Marathon, January 7th in Orlando Florida.

Prior to participating in the marathon, Freeport Harbour Company, together with the Disney, hosted Mrs. Hindley and some students from the school onboard the Disney Wonder where Mrs, Sherry Rodgers, PA/Corporate Affairs Officer, made a presentation to assist Mrs. Hendley. The group were treated to lunch and a brief tour of the cruise ship and a visit to the Disney Children's Theatre. The Disney Wonder makes regular weekly stops at the Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility.

"Freeport Harbour Company agreed to assist Mrs. Hendley with her marathon run while at the same time promoting our improved facilities. We gained worldwide exposure as she carried the Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility's name on the back of her running jersey, and helped to promote the harbour and Grand Bahama as she participated," said Mike Power, General Manager.

One of the incentives behind Mrs. Hindley running the Disney Marathon is to raise the awareness of students of the school that they can achieve their dreams. The Lucayan International School, is into its third year of operations on Grand Bahama.

"We want our students to know that with determination, hard work, and focus, they can participate at any level, in any discipline," said Mrs. Hendley.

Marathon running is not new for Mrs. Hindley, who had been in training for the past four months preparing for the run of 26 miles 385 yards. She completed the race in under 5 hours.

"I used to get up at 3:00a.m. for long runs before going to school. I'm just happy that is over. It was my fourth marathon, and was a big challenge for me. I have previously run the New York Marathon twice and the London Marathon once." said the teacher who is well known for her participation in the Conchman Tri-athalons, and 5K races.

The Disney Marathon took runner around the various theme parks in Disney World in Orlando Florida.

In December the Lucayan Harbour Cruise Facility played host to the Disney Wonder and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association. They came together with the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board to make Christmas special for some 200 number of children on Grand Bahama through their annual gift-giving ceremony for children in the Caribbean.