Nine Differently-Abled Children Prepare for the Iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour 2018
Super-Human Cyclists Give the Gift of Adventure
On Sunday 11 March 2018 nine differently-abled children, ranging from eight- to twenty-years-old and with varying disabilities, will share in the spirit and camaraderie of the iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour 2018 towed by able-bodied cyclists in specially manufactured buggies.
Partnering with Cape Town Tourism on this event for the second year, and with new buggies sponsored in 2018 by The Diamond Works Institute, CapeNature, Enterprise Solutions 365, and Pedal Power Association, the Warrior On Wheels Foundation aims to promote universal access in tourism and sporting events while giving the gift of adventure to some brave children who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity of participating in an event of this nature.
“CapeNature is honoured and proud to form part of this initiative. Providing universal access is at the core of what we promote. It is heart-warming that through this race we can give differently-abled children the joy of adventure. It does not only end with the Cycle Tour but with several other facilities available on our nature reserves with wheelchair access.” – Sheraaz Ismail (Director of Marketing & Eco-Tourism).
History of the Buggy Teams
In 2012, Warrior On Wheels co-founder, Deirdré Gower, applied for permission to cycle in the tour with her son, Damian, in a buggy. Permission was denied but after engaging with the organisers, the rules were changed to include a category for buggy teams in 2013, allowing children with disabilities to take part. Since then, the number of buggy teams has increased yearly, with the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust going above and beyond to implement measures to ensure inclusion and safety for all.
Speaking at the launch of Warrior On Wheels Foundation in December 2015, Renée Jordaan, the former race director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, said: “They’re not the warriors on wheelchairs in the Cape Town Cycle Tour; they’re the Warriors on Wheels, just like 35,000 other cyclists.”
Making the Event Possible
The foundation relies on the generosity of sponsors for the manufacture of the buggies, the costs of participation for the children including entry fees, helmets, customised seating requirements, cycling jerseys, timing chips, and other costs related to the event. To get involved or for more information, please call Deirdré Gower at 078 567 6689, or email deirdre@warrioronwheels.co.za
Vision of Warrior On Wheels Foundation
Warrior On Wheels Foundation, a registered NPO and PBO, aims to uplift and empower children with disabilities by providing special adventures tailored for special kids, thereby changing perceptions of ability and bridging gaps between able-bodied and differently-abled communities. Through consulting with adventure providers and establishments within the tourism industry they are forging partnerships that promote accessibility for all abilities.
Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism states: “As a destination, Universal Access is of paramount importance to us; in tourism and in all experiences our goal is to drive accessibility for all across the city. This includes those with physical challenges as well as those with financial challenges, and we applaud the efforts made by organisations such as Warrior on Wheels in driving this initiative. It is a privilege to partner with them.”
Contact: Deirdré Gower, Co-Founder
Organisation: Warrior On Wheels Foundation
Phone: 078 567 6689
Email: deirdre@warrioronwheels.co.za
Website: www.warrioronwheels.co.za
http://warrioronwheels.co.za/cape-town-cycle-tour-2018/