One of the world’s most famous quadriplegics, the late Christopher Reeve, once said that a hero is any ordinary individual who has the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. This applies to all the men and women who are taking part in the Quad 4 Quads event in New Zealand.
The event will see around 600 men and women on quad bikes and two wheel motorcyclists taking part, this includes several quadriplegic riders who will take part on quad bikes that have been specially adapted. 2011 is the eighth time that the event has been held and will once again make a remarkable difference to quadriplegics and paraplegics in South Africa.
The event was founded by a small holiday business who specialise in off road family adventures, who wanted funds that were raised on the ride to go to QASA, the QuadPara Association of SA.
The 600 men and women will have to travel around 250km for eight hours each day which is extremely challenging for everyone concerned. The event is not a race as such, it is more a family event and everyone can get involved as volunteers are needed at stops and of course there will be many on the road sides cheering them on. QASA sets up skills development programs, along with employment projects and promotes independent living opportunities which allow both quadriplegics and paraplegics to be able to get back into mainstream society and have equal rights.