Local officials, including
Capt. Pisan Wattanawongsiri (back row, 4th left), honorary consultant of
Redemptorist Center for People with Disabilities, launch the ceremony.
Vittaya Yoondorn
A half dozen cross-country wheelchair racers are traveling 1,479
kilometers from Pattaya to Isaan to raise awareness and money for the
disabled.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Pattaya MP Poramet Ngampichet kicked off
the “Powering the Disabled” caravan that will see six students from the
Redemptorist School for the Disabled roll through 19 provinces over 49
days to reach Nong Khai in northeast Thailand. Two bicyclists are
accompanying them.
The cross-country marathon kicked off with a festive party May 7
featuring dance performances, skills demonstrations by Redemptorist
School students and cultural shows by children.
The caravan is meant to raise awareness about disabled issues in the
country and raise money for the Nong Khai Redemptorist School. The
marathoners will participate in 29 activities and events along their
route, including disabled festivals in 16 communities staged at various
city halls.
Publicity is key for the wheelchair racers, with plans to chronicle
their journey on television and Internet via photos and video.
The event will culminate in June in Nong Khai, the site of this year’s
national wheelchair marathon.
Wheelchair marathon riders
are anxious to get underway at the release of the caravan towards Nong
Khai.
