Nassau, Bahamas - Seven months ago, veteran Realtor, Mario Carey sat in his office and started writing down numbers: 700 miles, 7 islands, 1 bicycle, 1 determination and of course adding up the financial budget that it would take to fund such a venture.

For Carey, the decision to do something to create more awareness for Autism, a complex neurological condition that affects one in every 150 children worldwide, including Carey?s 12 year old son Cole, came from the idea of a country-wide trek throughout the islands of The Bahamas.

The inspiration was born from two of his passions: one being his love for sports and as a champion for the cause for Autism Awareness. Therefore, it made sense to combine the two and create an event that would assist in not only raising funds for REACH (Resources & Education for Autism and Related Challenges), the community support group here in The Bahamas, but that would also create more awareness for the disorder.

Now several months later, that idea has come to fruition.
On Saturday, November 21, 2009, Carey along with several professional leaders and friends, including notable dentist and lawyer and avid triathletes, Dr. Mark Davies and Mr. Simon Lowe, will take to the roadway, commencing the first 100 miles of a 700 mile- 7 islands trek around The Bahamas. First up?Long Island- the island where Carey?s roots are grounded-in the settlement of Mangrove Bush- a place he calls home.

The group will start from the southern tip of the island, in the settlement of Gordons to the northern settlement of Seymours, Long Island. ?This has been a dream of mine for some time now. Having worked with REACH and being a parent of a child who has been afflicted with Autism, I have seen first hand the need for more persons to become more aware of what Autism is and how it is affecting our children? he said.

Studies have shown that Autism is an increasing epidemic and the fastest growing among children, mostly boys. ?Not many people understand the complexities of it. If more persons were educated on what it is, the symptoms and the affects of Autism, this will go a long way in assisting with the progress and earlier diagnosis of the disorder? Carey explained. ?Imagine if every mile I rode added up to dollar bills that would go towards assisting REACH and its programs and helping those affected? he continued.
For months now, Carey has been working tirelessly to make this dream a reality. He competed in a number of triathlons for the year starting with the Nautica South Beach Triathlon in April, followed by the Loggerhead Triathlon last month and ending the season at the top of his game in Grand Bahama at the 23rd annual Conchman Triathlon- winning his category with a time of 1:22:17. ?I?m up for the challenge and I am expecting a lot of support from family and friends. Many persons have expressed their desire to support the event which will help to create more awareness for REACH and Autism? said Carey.

And what originally started as an idea, a dream to create change has now become a movement that is picking up momentum and support; support Mario hopes will turn into actual dollars. ?Several companies have expressed their willingness to donate and sponsor the event in several ways. Nautilus Water Company has agreed to become a sponsor and the ever popular search engine; Bahamas Local will be facilitating the public relations/promotions aspect of the event via their website.?

Additionally, Carey has started a Facebook page and website where persons can find out more about the event, the cause and hopefully get more sponsors and participants on board. ?I hope the idea of riding across The Bahamas for a good cause can take on an international and local appeal that could some day become an event The Bahamas can benefit from.

There are rides across America that takes several weeks to complete. We hope to have something similar here in The Bahamas where the Ministry of Tourism can assist with establishing a community that can not only draw potential visitors to our islands, create another organized sporting body in The Bahamas but will also promote a worthy cause? Carey said.

With Long Island kicking off the trek, other islands like Abaco, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama and San Salvador will follow as Mario rides the course for Autism. To join Mario Carey?s 700 miles, 7 islands, 1 bicycle, 1 determination, 1 cause, you may sign up at www.facebook.com.