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In a small Western Kenyan
Village was a young man determined to improve the
quality of his life. Ibrahim lost part of his right leg in a car
accident when he was just a young boy. Rather than live a life restricted
to his home, Ibrahim fought stereotypes to live a life as active
as everyone around him. This included learning how to ride a bicycle
with just one leg. He knew that riding a bike would allow him to
travel distances he couldn't easily reach with his crutch.
Ibrahim had no money for a new bike. He took
an old and rusted bike frame from his mother's property and slowly
over time bought the parts needed to build it into a functioning
bicycle. The finished product lacked brakes but was enough to get
started.
As a young man eager to achieve independence
and equality in the eyes of his peers, he set out to learn to ride
one pedal stroke at a time. Neighbors scoffed at the idea. He was
told to be content in a wheelchair. Ibrahim ignored the non- believers
and accomplished his goal. Riding a bike helped him find work outside
of his village and proved to potential employers that he was an
independent and capable man.
Witnessing his first bicycle race inspired in
Ibrahim a passion to reach for more. He never, for a second, doubted
his ability. The very next week, Ibrahim entered his first race
among 130 able bodied competitors and finished within the top 20.
The feat catapulted him into national recognition. He became a symbol
of triumphant perseverance against incredible odds in a nation of
people struggling against the harshest conditions. Ibrahim continued
bicycle racing with great results to bring awareness to the needs
of the physically challenged.
Ibrahim never set out to become
a national celebrity. He wasn't thinking to gain fame or riches
as a competitive athlete. He didn't think that racing a bicycle
would eventually bring him to the U.S. He simply set out to achieve
one goal at a time through belief, hard work and faith. Ibrahim's
story is filled with triumphant moments and heart breaking set backs.
Ibrahim has never given up and has never lost his faith. He is far
from home yet he's far from finished.
Ibrahim believes he has
a responsibility to both inspire and represent physically challenged
people in his home country and the world over. He
is committed towards improving the lives of the physically challenged
in Kenya and won't stop riding his bicycle until he accomplishes
his goals. Building a training center for the physically challenged
in Kenya is Ibrahim's ultimate goal. The
training center will serve to address the needs of physically challenged
Kenyans and serve as a model that can be replicated to serve the
thousands of physically challenged people throughout Africa.
Ibrahim’s Story
Ibrahim’s
Journey
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