Milnerton resident joins Cycle Tour in inclusive ride

A Milnerton resident living with cerebral palsy will take on this year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour in a show of inclusion and community partnership.

Jeff Kao, a resident at Eric Miles Cheshire Home in Milnerton, will experience the 109km route on Sunday, March 8, in a specially adapted buggy pulled by a team of nine cyclists from Cheshire Homes South Africa (CHSA).

Mr Kao said the opportunity is deeply personal.

“Participating in the Cape Town Cycle Tour for me is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I feel super excited and privileged to be part of such a wonderful initiative for disability awareness, and to show able-bodied persons that we, as people with physical disabilities, are just as capable and have just as much of a voice," he said.

He said that he is especially looking forward to taking in the scenery from a new perspective.

“I think just the positioning of myself in the buggy, with the fresh air in my face while seeing everything, will be an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. I will be bragging about this for a long time.”

Cheshire Homes South Africa operates 16 residential facilities across the country, providing specialised care and support to physically disabled adults and children. The organisation relies largely on donations and fundraising to maintain its services and create opportunities for residents to participate fully in community life.

CHSA CEO Etienne Schlechter will be among the cyclists pulling Mr Kao on the day.

He said his decision to take part was intentional.

“Every day I engage with people who are disabled and feel marginalised by society. They can’t take part, they are always on the sidelines, so it is important that people with disabilities feel included. Disability does not remove someone’s right to adventure, joy, or participation,” he said.

Mr Schlechter said leadership must be visible and action-driven.

"Pulling Jeff demonstrates our commitment to showing up for persons with disabilities. We need to show up and take action if we want their voices to be heard. People follow action, not words.”

He said that the initiative reflects the organisation’s broader mission.

“Our mission at Cheshire Homes is not only to provide care, but it is also to provide dignity, purpose, and inclusion. This ride challenges the idea that disability means exclusion.”

William Simpson Omoda Jaecoo in Tokai has sponsored the adapted buggy, rider apparel, and campaign visibility. Funds raised through the tour will support the ongoing work of Cheshire Homes South Africa.

Community members are encouraged to engage with EMCH online to learn more and find ways to get involved, or call them at 083 702 3913 or follow them on Facebook.

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