Disabilities don’t hinder dreams

EIGHT enthusiastic youngsters from Ethembeni School in Inchanga, will tackle the Amashova Durban Classic cycling event that takes place on Sunday, 13 October.

The team consists of seven visually impaired and one physically disabled learner. Edris Mhlanga and Nkosikhona Biyela will compete in the 65km event and Sandile Manana, Thobani Mhlongo, Nkonzo Msomi, Langelihle Buthelezi, Sabelo Ngema and Lusanda Ndwandwe in the 35km event.

The learners have been cycling since 2010 when the school received a donation of bikes from Amashova. Some of the boys had never ridden a bicycle before but soon took to the sport with great enthusiasm. The school has a beautiful tarred bike track complete with stops, signs and an off road cycle track and plenty of field space for the boys to practice their skills. They also train twice a week at the Durban beachfront, Giba Gorge or Monteseel.

The learners are all part of the Achilles Club and have participated in able bodied events such as the Pharos Medical Scheme’s rides at Durban Shongweni Club, Mongoose schools’ events, Tour Durban, Hill climb and Engen Dynamic. This will be the second year that riders from the school will take part in Amashova and the first time that any of the riders will compete in the longer distance event.

“This is a very popular sport at school as it is fun, however it is also therapeutic and great for the physical, social, cognitive and emotional well being of the learners,” said Kristyl Mackley, occupational therapist at Ethembeni and the boys’ cycling coach. “I have noticed how the boy’s school performances have improved as a result of cycling. It also teaches them responsibility and team work.”

Edris Mhlanga (14) and Nkosikhona Biyela (16) are excited about tackling the longer distance this year. Edris who learnt to ride at Ethembeni said, “I love it so much, it is a fun race.”

Nkosikhona added, “I am very excited, I have done lots of training and am happy. Cycling has helped me, it makes my mind better.”