Australian Embassy Vientiane
Headline: Cycling for solidarity – CyclePower comes to Laos
In the spirit of friendship and adventure, 12 Australian cyclists will ride from Luang Prabang to Vientiane over seven days for CyclePower, a charity ride promoting understanding of people with disability.
CyclePower team members (from left to right): Ray Losionek, Alex Gale-Grime and Gary Connor
Four of the 12 cyclists have a disability and will complete the 500km journey using hand cycles instead of conventional bicycles.
Gary Connor, former Australian hand cycling champion and paraplegic said he was looking forward to meeting as many locals as he could along the way.
“This is my fifth CyclePower. I’ve ridden all over Asia and I have always been met with such warmth and friendship. Laos is famous for its hospitality and I am sure the people of Laos will be the most welcoming yet,” he said.
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Ray Losionek, a double amputee and another keen hand cyclist on the CyclePower tour also said his favourite part of these rides was meeting the people.
“I am a grandfather and I love it when the children come out to watch us riding through. We create a bit of a spectacle and I enjoy showing them what people with disability can do.”
Leaving Luang Prabang on Monday 8 June, the cyclists will travel through Kiew Ka Cham, Kasi and Vang Vieng, before arriving in Vientiane on 13 June to make a special presentation of sports wheelchairs and other equipment to the Laos Disabled People’s Association (LDPA).
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Mr Dave Vosen, charge d’affaires at the Australian Embassy, noted the major challenge the riders were undertaking and highlighted how this was yet another example of how people living with a disability should not be assumed to be incapable of substantial achievement, whether in their personal or professional lives. “Many of us get tired when driving or even flying from Luang Prabang, we’re looking forward to providing CyclePower a warm welcome when they arrive on Saturday”
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The presentation ceremony to the LDPA is at 4.30pm at the Centre for Medical Rehabilitation Indoor Stadium, followed by a friendly wheelchair basketball match between the CyclePower riders and local Lao athletes. Members of the public are invited to support the game.