The Incredible Race Winners - (Left to Right) team Floralology; Haley Trott, Michel Ambrose, Lorette Cornelius, and Rashida Glasgow.

It was bound to be high drama at the end of The Incredible Race, as teams raced to the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park with goats in hand. A large gathering cheered the winners, who fought vigorously to capture the winning title.

The Incredible Race was the climax of the activities planned by the Community Mental Health Centre, as it continues the tradition of celebrating "May is Mental Health Month" in the Virgin Islands under the theme, "Strengthening Mental Wellness Through Family Support: Caring is Sharing".

Teams were expected to cover a total of 8 challenges in their quest to capture the title, but the four woman team, Floralology, which consisted of Rashida Glasgow, Haley Trott, Michel Ambrose, and Lorette Cornelius, beat out 8 other fiercely competitive teams, not just to capture the well-earned title, but to win a 12-person day sail, compliments of The Moorings, and all-day spa, compliments of Scrub Island.

"The Community Mental Health Centre is committed to bringing awareness to the community of persons who are less fortunate, struggling to cope and function in their daily lives due to a mental illness. In light of our annual campaign, the Community Mental Health Centre embarked on a new idea and created our reality competition, The Incredible Race!"

Taking advantage of the lush tropical heritage in the Virgin Islands, the Incredible Race is a spinoff of the reality series from CBS´, The Amazing Race. Teams of four fostered relationships and supported each other during the competition´s physical and mental challenges…from the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park to other locations, which included, Sage Mountain, Brewer’s Bay, and the Pockwood Pond Dungeon. Nine teams began the race shortly after 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, and the winning team was announced shortly after 3:00 p.m.

After the day’s event, Dr. Rubaine breathed a sigh of relief, and expressed her gratitude for the success of the event, while giving thanks to all persons who contributed in such a meaningful way.

Dr. Rubaine made special mention of Mr. Troy Christopher and his team at Jahphix Television (JTV), while encouraging persons to tune into JTV when the Incredible Race airs. “It is going to be so exciting!” she exclaimed. Other sponsors of the event were The Moorings, Scrub Island Resort Spa and Marina, Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort, Amara Spa, UBS Dive Centre, Kuralu Catamaran Charters, Journey Health Spa, LIME, Scotia Bank, Blossoms Florist, ILS Fiduciary (BVI) Ltd., B&F Medical Complex, D’Zandra’s Black Coral & Craft Ltd., Infinite Solutions, Village Cay Marina, Clarence Thomas Ltd., Virgin Queen Restaurant & Pub, National Parks Trust, Crandall’s Pastry Plus, Riteway & Road Town Wholesale, One Mart Supermarket, Proudly African, TICO, Rudy’s Trucking, CCT, Palm Grove Trust, National Educational Centre, and Sylvester Johnson.

“We could not have pulled off this event without our sponsors and we are very, very grateful for their contributions and thank them again for partnering with us.” Dr. Rubaine said.

During the announcements at the end of the day, emotions soared as teams relayed their challenges to camera crew of Jahphix Television (JTV) who were on hand during the entire event, capturing the intensity of the challenges and the excitement expressed throughout the day.

Other teams included the Incredanenees, Warrior Girls, All in the Family, Frazanators, Bristolians, the Elmore Stoutt High School’s (E.S.H.S.) English Dept. (Family Game Night), Victorious Secrets, Ladies of S.A.S.S.

Special prizes were presented for Best Team Name, which was awarded to Floralology (Lunch Buffet at Village Cay Marina); Best Decorated Car, which was awarded to Floralology and the Frazanators (Gift certificate from Clarence Thomas and Infinite Solutions); Best Team Costume, which was awarded to Victorious Secrets (Dinner at Little Dix Resort Pavillion); Dirtiest Contestants, which was awarded to Rashida Glasgow and Althea Smith (an iPhone & Blackberry from LIME); and Best Dressed Goat was awarded to the Franzanators (Massages from Amara Spa and Journeys).

The next date for the Incredible Race 2013 has already been set for Saturday, 18th May 2013.