Disabled athletes overcome a mountain

The Ability Challenge 2006, in aid of the Razzett tal-Hbiberija, came to an end yesterday when the competing teams arrived from France, having successfully completed their mission.

Following the success of this first activity of its sort, which included the participation of persons with disability in extreme sports competitions, Razzett is intending to turn it into an annual event.

The aim of the activity was to heighten awareness of the capabilities of persons with disability, of whom there were four, among the 25 participants that were split into four teams.

They set off to the foothills of the Alps Maritimes, a natural playground where a variety of adventure sports can be enjoyed, on August 14 for a week-long programme of extreme sports, including mountain trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, canyoneering, paragliding and a via ferrata.

Training for the challenge lasted over a month, focusing mainly on the fitness of the participants, but also including learning rope techniques, abseiling and climbing skills needed for the via ferrata and canyoneering.

Throughout the challenge, persons suffering from severe visual impairment and impaired coordination, an amputee and a paraplegic were able to experience the joy and satisfaction of ascending a rock face.

The challenge demanded that able-bodied and disabled team members worked together to achieve the goal of the day and beat their opponents. They proved to the public that they should be judged on their capabilities and not on their perceived disabilities.

"What better way to show the public, as well as potential employers, that people of all abilities can cooperate together to surmount seemingly impossible tasks," said Razzett CEO Nathan Farrugia.

The challenge was "a perfect opportunity for the disabled to take a stand against the prejudices of society towards persons with disability", said activity coordinator Andrew Warrington. "The disabled need not live a sedentary life!"