How Hongkonger who had arm amputated at age 12 will tackle 30km cycle
Father-of-two will ride 30km route during third annual Hong Kong Cyclothon in October and hopes to inspire other disabled people in the city
A Hong Kong cyclist with only one arm is looking to inspire other disabled people in the city to take on new challenges when he joins a 30km bike race for charity next month.
Derek Ko Chi-kin, 59, will join about 1,500 riders on the 30km route from Tsim Sha Tsui to the Nam Wan Tunnel, as part of the third annual Hong Kong Cyclothon on October 8.
The project assistant from the charity Hong Kong Network for the Promotion of Inclusive Society had his right arm amputated aged 12 after it got infected following a fall from a fence. The father-of-two, who lives in Tai Po, is no stranger to sporting competitions. He is a keen hiker and rock climber, and this month completed the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker race in Belgium.
On Saturday, he joined scores of cyclists at the Whitehead Velodrome in Ma On Shan for a timed “ride-in” test to ensure participants were fit enough to compete.
“For those of us with physical disabilities, it is very difficult,” he said. “My bike requires an adapted braking system, and the gears are moved from the right to the left side. If I can complete this race, it will be a good example for other friends with disabilities.”
Ko said he had never let his disability stop him from taking on new challenges, but admitted activities such as waterskiing and ice skating had proved too demanding for him over the years.
