November 13th, 1987 – Andre Simon was born to Michael Simon (Antigua) and Glennis Simon (Guyana). He was raised in Antigua along with his four other siblings and began his early education at the Foundation Mixed School before gaining a scholarship to attend the Antigua Grammar School. At the age of 10, Simon’s father died leaving his mother to be the primary provider for the family.
Andre’s academic studies continued on to the Antigua State College and later on, Borough of Manhattan College (BMCC) in New York where he obtained an Associate Degree in Business Management Studies. He make the college’s Dean List with a consistent 4.0 GPA. He also excelled in the International Olympic Committee’s – Olympic Solidarity’s Sport Management Programme.
Beyond academics Simon served as President of the Student Government Association at BMCC
Simon is best known for his accomplishments in the world of cycling. He is a two time local cycling champion and winner of the 2013 OECS Cycle championship held in St. Lucia. His commitment to the sport led him to create a cycling club; the Andre Simon Cycling Association in 2021.
In addition to cycling, Simon also held an interest in canoeing and served as President of the Antigua and Barbuda Canoeing/Kayaking Association. He also co-founded the AUA Tinman Rohr Triathlon in November, 2011.
His outstanding performances earned him the nomination for sportsman of the year two occasions, in the disciplines of Triathlon (2011) and Cycling (2015).
Outside of the sporting arena, Simon is known as a male model, and popular on the carnival band launch circuit and other seasonal fashion show events.
His fulltime profession is that of meteorological officer in the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s Meteorological Services since 2008.
On 8th May, 2022, whilst engaging in one of his passions, cycling, tragedy struck. Simon was struck by a vehicle which landed him in a coma. He was airlifted to the TIRR Memorial Hospital in Texas on July 2nd where he is currently receiving treatment and showing signs of recovery. His family and other interested parties have engaged in a number of initiatives to raise funds to help offset expenses associated with his medical care.
Some ongoing fundraising efforts include a gofundme (https://gofund.me/49f11497), CashApp ($andreksimon), PayPal (@andreksimon) and Zelle (3472163784). Additionally, direct deposits can be made oat financial institutions on Antigua at CUB AC#20004089, Community First Credit Union AC#098425, ECAB AC#131003564 and also in the United States at TD Bank: 4377734285 and Capital One: 7048666145.
We look forward to updating this feature further with Andre Simon’s full recovery.