Clover Cycling Team of Vulnerable Youth Receives Flag-Off Ceremony, Calls for Public Support

(Central News Agency reporter Su Mu-chun, Taichung, June 13) The 'Clover' cycling team, supported by the Republic of China Association for the Growth of the Underprivileged and other organizations, held a flag-off ceremony today in front of the Taichung City Council, officially launching their island-circumnavigation cycling challenge. The team hopes to receive public support and roadside encouragement as they embark on their journey.

The cycling team consists of six youth from single-parent, grandparent-raised, economically disadvantaged, and special learning needs families. During the ceremony, the young riders demonstrated skills in bicycle troubleshooting and chain repair. Volunteers presented symbolic rice dumplings, conveying blessings for a successful 'conquest of Taiwan from north to south.'

'Ah Yun,' a team member with epilepsy-related learning disabilities, has long struggled with 'excessive sleepiness' and 'outbursts of anger,' leading to social isolation and refusal to participate in activities. Upon learning about the cycling challenge, however, he volunteered enthusiastically, saying joyfully, 'On the bicycle, I am someone who can control the direction.'

'Xiao Wei,' a fifth-grade elementary student with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is raised by her grandfather, as her mother suffers from moderate to severe bipolar disorder and cannot provide stable care. Despite falling and getting injured during training, Xiao Wei continued practicing through the pain, determined to prove, 'I can do it.'

Ms. Chang Hui-ching,理事长 of the Republic of China Association for the Growth of the Underprivileged, told CNA that the team will embark on a three-year cycling circumnavigation plan. This summer, the children will complete the first leg from Taipei to Tainan, aiming to help underprivileged youth achieve their first major life dream.

Lin Ting-cheng,理事长 of the Taichung City Association for the Growth of the Underprivileged, expressed hopes that the children will develop independence, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to share their experiences during the journey. However, due to limited budget and resources, he urged the public to offer support and cheer for the children when they pass by.

Head coach Cheng Chang-lin, inspired by the youth's dreams, not only joined the team as a trainer but also leveraged his network to secure accommodations and funding. Cheng said he was deeply moved by the children's perseverance through tough training. Former national team coach Chang Shou-sheng also joined the effort, offering training facilities and equipment free of charge, hoping the challenge will be successfully completed. (Edited by Li Ming-tsung) 1150613

Stand with the truth. Every donation you make is a force protecting press freedom.

Download the CNA 'First-hand News' app to stay updated with the latest news instantly.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.