For most people, riding a bike is second nature. But for many children with special needs, it’s not that easy. Even with support from friends and family, hopping on an unstable seat with wheels is a very scary thought…until now.
For one week in July, Special Needs kids learned to ride a two-wheeled bike. It’s a process that starts on Monday with each child getting fitted with a specially constructed bicycle and ends on Friday with them riding their own two-wheeled bike. It’s a rewarding journey that gets lots and lots of smiles, a few scraped knees, some very proud parents, and excited, confident participants.
“The twenty-four young iCan Bike participants are truly inspiring,” said Leigh Wood-Landry, a Special Needs Inclusion Worker at the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre (KMFRC). “Each day of the program, they have pushed themselves physically and mentally, eager to overcome any previous obstacles and ride a two-wheeled bicycle successfully. By the t
hird day of camp, every participant was making steady progress, with several children already making the transition from an adapted bicycle to their own bike!”
“In terms of skill development, the riders have developed greater balance, independence, and the endurance to complete several laps in either direction. Equally important, however, is their boost in confidence. One of the children noted his huge strides Wednesday morning and commented, “Wow, I was amazing!””
The volunteers for iCan Bike have been an incredible resource. Comprised mostly of Military members, they have guided and run alongside children for over an hour at a time, ensuring their safety, while providing consistent and highly enthusiastic support. Singing, cheering, challenging the riders to reach new milestones, even leading dance-offs during breaks, became everyday normality. Their energy and motivation has a very positive impact. From the smiles, laughter and high fives to children arriving and eagerly seeking out “their people”, it’s clear that the riders and volunteers have formed great connections.
Samantha (Sam) Coulter, a Special Needs Inclusion Worker at the KMFRC, got her exercise as she ran beside the new bikers every day. “It’s a privilege to be involved with the camp and make such a difference in these kid’s lives,” Sam said.
The camp was possible because of several community partnerships. The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 560 made a significant donation from the Poppy Fund to ensure the program was funded. “Every time someone buys a poppy here in Kingston, they are helping fund programs like this,” said Merrill Gooderham, President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560.
Staff at the KMFRC and KidsInclusive worked tirelessly to ensure the program was organized and run with clockwork precision. CFB Kingston provided the rink and the volunteers and the iCan Shine staff provided the equipment and technical know-how.
The event was a huge success on many levels. As a community partnership, this event was an excellent example of what can be accomplished when organizations come together to reach a common goal. On a personal level, the world now has over twenty confident new bike riders and some very proud parents.