Bike camp empowers kids with special needs

Kids with special needs gained some independence as they learned how to ride a bike in Tecumseh. CTV Windsor’s Stefanie Masotti has the details.

Dozens of kids living with special needs broke a sweat this week, to gain more independence thanks to specialized bicycles and the charity ‘Kind Minds’.

“I was kind of struggling but started to get the hang of it,” said Zayn Heleeji, 10, who was diagnosed with high functioning autism at 18 months old.

Heleeji was one of 37 individuals who took part in the 5-day “I Can Bike” camp at Tecumseh Arena.

“Our riders have an intellectual or a minor physical disability,” said organizer Jessica Elliot.

“They may never be able to drive a car when they get older. This may be their only form of independent transportation. The kids start with trainers… They use this bevel in the back, so it gives them the feeling of a two wheeled bike. Throughout the camp it (the bevel) will get smaller. They have a little bit more wobble to them as they go. As they start to get faster on those and steer better, then they’ll move on to one of the two-wheel bikes with just a handle.”

Kind Minds volunteers played an essential role is helping these kids reach their full potential.

“You make such a personal connection with them,” said volunteer, Lilly Gilbert.

“I remember some kids from the last time I volunteered. I still think about them because you make such a connection with them.”

Heleeji said he can’t wait for his first ride with his friend but added there is one important lesson he learned from this camp.

“You always have to wear a helmet, so you don’t split your head open,” he said.