 The Bintan Triathlon is known for its friendly and festive atmosphere, proudly presenting its champions, but honoring other participants for their outstanding act of bravery, sportsmanship, humanity, etc.
Among the remarkable performances that we had this year was Anthony Payne’s. Antony carried on his bike and pushed in a pushchair his disabled son, Ralph, around the bike and run course! Ralph has severe learning disabilities and global developmental delays", he cannot talk, nor can he walk un-aided or feed himself. However, Ralph is happy when he is on the move.
He loves going out in his pushchair, and he loves going out on the bike. As long as he is moving and has plenty to look at he seems content. “Well I like to keep fit, says Anthony, and thought that if I could combine my fitness activities with keeping Ralph happy, and also give his Mum a break at the same time, then this was a good thing! Ralph loves training with me, and I love keeping him happy.”
Anthony was inspired by Team Hoyt, and so got started. He had run in a couple of London Marathons before and have always tried to raise money for worthwhile causes whilst doing these marathons. When entering the triathlon he thought he could do the same here.
“I'm also keen to raise the profile of disabled people here in Singapore. Just because you have a disabled child, it does not mean you should keep them hidden away and be ashamed of them.
To me my child's happiness is far more important than what other people think about Ralph or me. He takes great joy being out with his family, and I hope to show the general public, the spectators, and the competitors just how much Ralph enjoys being out with me.”
Team Payne on You Tube.
Ralph goes to the AWWA school, specialized in educational programs for pupils with special needs. You may make a donation to AWWA from this website. You will find it listed under Charity as 'Asian Womens Welfare Association'.
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