The iCan Bike Camp kicks off at the Orange County Convention Center on July 30th. Sponsored by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida, iCan Bike (formerly known as Lose the Training Wheels) is a week-long camp designed to help participants develop the skills and confidence needed to ride a bike independently. By the end of the week, most riders are riding a standard bike….without training wheels!
The mission of this camp is to teach individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities to ride a conventional two wheel bicycle and become lifelong independent riders. For many people, it’s a seemingly impossible task to master but with this program 80% of the participants usually do it in less than a week’s time. Within days of learning to ride, many individuals begin exhibiting independent behaviors at home. This achievement, in turn, creates a gateway of opportunity, helping them gain assurance and self-reliance in many other aspects of their lives.
Club members who have volunteered in the past have said that it is a life changing experience for them as well. This year, the event takes place from July 30th – August 4th at the Orange County Convention Center at 9800 International Drive. Volunteers are being sought to walk or run alongside bicyclists, help with check-in, distribute helmets & snacks, and meet & greet riders. You may volunteer for one or more sessions for one or more days. Sessions are: 8:30, 10:05, 11:40, 2:00 and 3:35 each day.
You can click [here] to register as a volunteer. Please contact Phil Mings at Plmings@aol.com for more info.