eaCyclists and children; a message of caring
Ajith Fernando shares a moment with one of the children. Pix by Indika Fernando
A Night Around the Pearl launched the upcoming ten-day bike challenge but also created awareness and funds for Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation (CPLF). The event held last Monday at the Park Street Mews presented the difficulties of living with Cerebral Palsy but also highlighted the potential these children have as long as their conditions are catered for correctly.
In Sri Lanka there are over 40,000 children suffering from Cerebral Palsy, yet until recently there was no organisation to cater for their individual needs and sadly in a lot of cases there is a significant lack of understanding surrounding it. This is why Dr. Gopi Kitnasamy, along with his wife, set up the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation (CPLF) in 2011. Their aim is educate sufferers and their families on the specifics of the condition as well as providing specialised wheelchairs and training for the children.
The ‘Around the Pearl’ bike ride started off as a hobby and a wish to explore the country by a small group of men, however when it partnered with CPLF it became a very special challenge with a great cause: to raise as much money as possible in order to provide wheelchairs for these 40,000 children. It was extremely touching to hear some of the riders speak first-hand about the humbling experience of making a difference to these children’s lives. The cause is a huge motivation for the riders as they embark on the impressive challenge of cycling 1400km around the entire coastal belt of Sri Lanka in just ten days. Ajith Fernando, founder of Around the Pearl, poignantly said “As long as our legs keep moving, these children’s wheels will keep spinning”.
It is clear that the Around the Pearl journey has been life changing for all parties. Many of the children afflicted with CP would have been house bound, particularly in rural areas, so when they receive a wheelchair it truly is a life changing moment. It opens up endless opportunities that would never have been possible. As Dr. Kitnasamy said “a wheelchair is not just their mode of mobility but part of their body”. It allows these children to integrate into society, go to school and be part of a community.
The launch evening educated the audience on the specifics of Cerebral Palsy but also showcased the young sufferer’s talents. There were two dance performances from the children and a mixed-abled dance group called Liquid Air. It was terrific to see first-hand the difference a wheelchair can make to their everyday lives. The ‘hero of the evening’ was Asha, a young artist suffering from Muscular Dystrophy who gave a heartfelt speech about her condition and the therapeutic nature of painting. A whole range of her paintings were on sale at the event, along with a selection done by the younger children. There was a silent auction for the pictures and all proceeds went to CPLF.
The evening ended with the 35 cyclists up on stage. It was a great moment seeing the cyclists and the children sharing the evening together and it really illustrated what the partnership is about. Around the Pearl is born out of deeply caring and wanting to make life a little better for those less fortunate. For more information or to donate, check out http://www.aroundthepearl.lk/
Showing their talent: Liquid Air