CHARLOTTETOWN -- Recreation opportunities for people with a disability on P.E.I. are emerging through ParaSport and Recreation P.E.I.'s Bridging the Gap program.
The program began on the Island in March 2009, and to date has introduced three sports to the Island. This weekend, a fourth sport will be introduced.
Sunday, at Victoria Park (Shaw Building parking lot), there will be a demonstration on tandem cycling and handcycling.
Tandem cycling has become of the most popular and competitive sports in the blind community. Athletes who are blind compete on bicycles that are built for two people. A sighted cycling partner, known as a pilot, steers the tandem bike while the blind cyclist, called a stoker, does the pedalling from the back of the bicycle to help power the bike. Communication and teamwork skills are essential in tandem cycling.
For anyone that is interested in becoming a pilot, there will be an information session at 1 p.m. No experience is necessary.
Handcycling is another form of adaptive cycling that enables athletes of all abilities to ride a bike by using arms instead of their legs. This makes handcycling a popular activity for people with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, MS, cerebral palsy and stroke.
Most handcycles are tricycle in form, with two coasting rear wheels and one steerable-powered front wheel. There will be two different types of handcycles available at the demonstration for people to try.
The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Following the demonstration, everyone will have the opportunity to experience a short ride in Victoria Park on one of the bikes.
For more information or to pre-register, contact Dave Carragher at 566-3690.
(Could THIS be next?!)
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