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SUPPORT FOR DISABLED |
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SUPPORT FOR DISABLED |
Cycle Of Courage Defying his
physical disability, Wichian Pinkesorn has embarked on a world tour on his bicycle By A CORRESPONDENT
If a man has courage and
determination, it is often said, there is nothing that can stop him. Wichian Pinkesorn, a
disabled Thai citizen, provides vivid testimony to that reality as he prepares to complete
a world tour on his bicycle. Pinkesorn lost a hand in 1990
in an accident with explosives. His right hand was amputated when his doctors could not
see any other course of treatment. "It took me many months to recover from the
psychological trauma of discovering that I would be permanently disabled," says
Pinkesorn. He has done much more than recover from that shock. He is travelling around the
world on his bicycle with the aim of generating awareness about the problems and
potentials of the disabled. Determined and courageous,
Pinkesorn is interested in cycling, swimming and athletics. He has participated in various
international tournaments for the disabled and won more than 15 gold medals. Before
embarking on his world tour, Pinkesorn participated in a cycle tour from Bangkok to
Vienchan of Thailand during which he traversed a distance of 897 km. The tour has also proved to be
an exploration of the natural wonders of the world and a journey across diverse cultures.
Starting his journey on September 22, 2000 in Bangkok, in the tropical region of the
world, 41-year-old Pinkesorn has passed through the more than 3,000-meter-high Tibetan
Plateau on the way to Kathmandu. In 14 months of riding, he has
crossed Laos, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, China and Neal. He will go to India
and Pakistan and then proceed to Europe and United States to complete his world tour. "I simply want to show
that a disabled person is as strong as normal people. My aim is also to generate among the
people about the plight and difficulties of the disabled person," said Pinkesorn
shortly after he arrived in Kathmandu crossing the high mountains. Since he does not have his
right hand, it is some time very difficult to ride the bicycle, he says. But Pinkesorn has
not lost his patience and remains committed to complete the world tour whatever the time
and physical cost he has to pay. "In the Tibetan plateau, I faced many physical
problems, including high-altitude sickness," said Pinkesorn, who says he was thrilled
by the way the people in remote parts of the world supported him and gave him shelter.
Pinkesorn says he would
like to keep on providing moral support for the disabled people around the world. "In
my world tour quest, I have not faced any difficulties, as I am like any other ordinary
people in terms physical strength," says Pinkesorn. Pinkesorn says he has been
enthused by the warm welcome he has received in Nepal and other destinations. "I did
not realize that people would be so helpful and would treat me like their brethren,"
says Pinkesorn. "I have to go a long way before completing the world tour." He believes that the disabled
need constant support and encouragement from the state and society in order to achieve
success. "Although we are disabled, we can work as well as other people. We want
equal treatment and justice in society," says Pinkesorn. "I have met other
disabled during my tour and I have seen that they have been enjoying equal opportunities
in society." Although Pinkesorn is a Thai
citizen, his aim is to generate awareness among the people of different strata across the
world. "My aim is to support the cause of disabled." |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
