Story and pix by Chan Lilian
THE St. Nicholas Ride For Sight 2016 entered its sixth year on April 10with the visually impaired riding on tandem bicycles.
“For us, Ride For Sight has always been more than just a fund raising event. Ride For Sight is about us taking a stand to break the stereotype perception that the disabled and in particular the blind are incapable of working and living independently,” said St. Nicholas Home for the Visually Impaired executive director Daniel Soon.
Pulau Tikus assemblymember Yap Soo Huey flagged off the ride from Straits Quay after a safety briefing was carried out by co-organising chairman from G-Club, Roger Ting.
Twenty-eight visually impaired persons rode with 28 volunteers while over 500 participants took part in the 14km ride.
Buletin Mutiara spoke to a few volunteers and the visually impaired on their experiences.
Happy Lee, 50, had volunteered for three years and finds it fulfilling when he can pilot the visually impaired and take them on a ride.
Meanwhile, Tham Vui Pin, 39, said he is glad to be able to help.
As for 19-year-old Muhamed Asrul Azizi, it was an enjoyable experience as he felt the wind on his face while riding in tandem with Tham, his pilot rider.
St. Nicholas is looking for volunteers to ride with the visually impaired on every alternate Sunday.
For more information, call 04-229 0800 or visit www.snh.org.my