KATHMANDU, JUN 28 -
Ludo Linden, a 50-year-old Belgian cyclist who travelled 17,000 km across 14 countries with an artificial limb, is now in Kathmandu. He had initiated his journey in April 2011 and arrived in Nepal in Mid-June.
Speaking at a press conference organised by the National Disabled Fund on Wednesday, Linden said he wants to inspire other disabled people. “Believe in yourself to make anything possible,” Linden said. Linden also urged Nepal government not to pass discriminatory laws and policies that adversely affect the disabled. He said the government should guarantee disabled people’s rights to essential services like health and education and build accessible buildings and infrastructure. “Buildings in Nepal aren’t disabled friendly. We have to concentrate on making spaces more accessible,” said Linden. After his left leg was partially amputated in March 1983 due to an accident, Linden embarked on a mission to raise self-esteem and self-confidence of disabled people all over the world.
So far, he has travelled from Belgium to the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Dubai, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, India and finally, Nepal. The next leg of his journey will begin in Portugal and travel around 33,000 km through a total of 15 countries in Western Europe and parts of Asia. He plans to travel a total of 50,000 km in four years.
Source: http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/06/28/capital/belgian-man-with-artificial-limb-cycles-17000-km-to-nepal/356267/
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