A Three Way Effort Awards a Three-Wheeled Surprise!

Posted by Yvonne Crabbe

on Aug 22, 2012

Special Olympics BVI, BSAFE and the Social Development Department came together last Friday to surprise a young man not normally accustomed to elaborate gifts. Joel Jean Baptiste an Elmore Stoutt High School student and permanent resident of the Rainbow Home began learning to sail this summer with Sailability BVI. Joel although physically disabled from the waist down, is not frightened of trying out new experiences and will certainly not be prevented from taking part in sports any longer. Thanks to a joint effort between SOBVI and BSAFE and the Rotary Clubs of the BVI, not only is Joel now hooked on sailing; he was given a very special form of transport for his land-based fun on Friday.

At the weekly luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Road Town, on Tuesday, 21 August, Rotarians in attendance dipped their hands in their pockets to raise $500 towards the cost of Joel's new mode of transportation.

President Trefor presents Joel with $500 towards the cost
of his new set of wheels.
Photo Credit: Yvonne Crabbe

The hand driven tricycle built for road racing and touring was presented in front of an amazed audience that included board members from Special Olympics BVI, Mrs. Annie Malone Frett - Chief Social Development Officer, Mrs. Claudette Blyden Scatliffe and Ms. Eileen Potter from the Rainbow Home, Ms. Laurel Freeman and the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Health and Social Development - Ms. Petrona Davies.

Chris Ghiorse and Daniel Petrovic adjusted foot restraints to allow Joel to fit securely into his new machine before he took to the quiet road outside the Social Development building in Johns Hole. Chris and his BSAFE riders have volunteered to give Joel the careful safety training and practice he will need to be a confident Para-cyclist.