Cyclist raises awareness for multiple sclerosis
Oliver Sinclair is due to ride the Amashova on his hand-cycle for the multiple sclerosis community.
WINSTON Park resident Oliver Sinclair is riding the Amashova Durban Classic to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the immune system that damages nerves in the brain and spine.
Sinclair, an ex-game ranger, was diagnosed at the age of 28 in 2004 and has not allowed the disease to slow him down. The cyclist will be participating in this year’s event with his wife and son.
Sinclair wanted to raise awareness around multiple sclerosis when he came up with the idea of participating in his first cycle race.
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He explains, “I said to my wife, ‘Let’s do the Amashova together,’ and when she asked how I could, I said, ‘I’ll make a plan.’”
Sinclair’s plan was to approach the race organisers for permission to use an electric bicycle. The response was a resounding yes and they gave permission for him to do the family event if he promised not to come first. He found a company importing 20-inch, fold-up electric bicycles at a time when they weren’t available in the country.
“When I couldn’t balance on my bike anymore, I got a hand-cycle which I used until I didn’t have the strength to do that anymore. Then I took the electric motor off my bicycle and put it on my hand-cycle because I only have partial use of one of my arms now,” says Sinclair.
Sinclair says his disease has followed a slow and steady progression, resulting in him being in a wheelchair for the past five years.
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“I do whatever I can to keep fit and active for my family, my kids and for myself. We hand-cycle; we surf when the water allows us to. I’m going to the United States of America to represent South Africa in the ISA World Para Surfing Championships in December. On my return, I’m receiving a recumbent bicycle to get adaptive entry into mountain-bike rides in the area,” says Sinclair.
For now, the Sinclair family is looking forward to the 38km Amashova event.
“I’ve told my daughter that she has three years until she’s old enough to do the Amashova, and I’m waiting so I can do one with her.”
For more information on multiple sclerosis, email: info@multiplesclerosis.co.za.
