In the midst of the final evening’s briefing at the suddenly-cut-short Andy Cook Cycling Mallorca Spring Camp 2020 (which you can read all about here) we took a moment to remember and honour a wonderful friend of the Andy Cook Cycling camps – Dan Opuku.
Dan joined us on many camps over the years and often popped up at other events in which the ACC team were involved. Through these, we got to know him very well, as well as his partner Miranda. We were saddened when we heard of his cancer diagnosis, but over the coming years Dan still managed to ride and support events – always with the bravery and positive attitude which summed up his character.
Dan sadly passed away in March 2019. The whole Andy Cook Cycling team wanted to honour his memory, and so it was decided that there would be a Dan Opoku Award for Generosity of Spirit on the Andy Cook Cycling Spring Camp. The inaugural presentation of the award was held under strange circumstances in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, as our 2020 Spring Camp had just been cut suddenly short by the announcement of a ban on cycling by the Spanish government.
The award was presented to James Taylor – a client on the ACC Mallorca Bike Camps for several years and someone who truly deservs recognition for his kindness, selflessness, and positive attitude. James said of the award: “I was so surprised to receive this award from Andy’s team in memory of Dan who passed away last year. I’m not sure I ever rode with Dan but I think I met him at the camp in Mallorca. I was sad to hear of his passing but it was a fitting gesture of Andy and his team to remember him in his way. I couldn’t ask for a better group to cycle with, so selfless, supportive and professional, especially in these crazy times. Thanks everyone for looking after us on and off the bike.”
Miranda, Dan’s partner said: “Thank you for such a lovely and above and beyond gesture. Dan Opoku would be so humbled (and very shy about this). James Taylor you sound like a great person and cyclist and Dan would be excited to see that this award went to you! Congratulations!”
The Dan Opoku Award will be presented to a worthy winner during the Spring Bike Camp each year and will always honour the memory of our kind and courageous friend.
To read a fitting tribute to Dan, see his obituary in the Montreal Gazette here.
