As I go down I only pause to give instructions to Chris, a thirty six year old Ability Challenge participant. Chris has a hearing impairment so I have to explain how to proceed to the next level of the cave by using sign language, slow speech and clear demonstrations on how to use the safety equipment provided for this journey. The dim light provided by our torches is not conducive to easy communication but this is all part and parcel of the Ability Challenge.
Just out of the cave....muddy but happy
The Ability Challenge, now in its third year, is organised by the Razzett tal-Hbiberija and it’s objective is to provide participants with a unique opportunity to push themselves to the limits whilst allowing space for personal growth and self-development. More importantly it gives able bodied participants the opportunity to interact with individuals having a physical disability removing physical, mental and social barriers.
The Challenge consists of a full week of adrenaline pumping activities including Paragliding, Canyoning, Mountain Biking, Caving, Trekking and Kayaking. The activities are supervised by qualified personnel from the Razzett tal-Hbiberija as well as professional guides trained in the various disciplines being undertaken to ensure that no unnecessary risks are taken and to ensure the well being of each participant.
Ready to jump into the Canyon at St. Auban
The South of France provided a wonderful backdrop for all the activities, giving the twenty eight participants the opportunity to paraglide over typical French hillside villages.
Perfect landing after a 20 minute paraglide over Greolieres
Kayak approximately half a mile offshore from the French Riviera town of Cannes to the Île Sainte-Marguerite, the island famous for its fortress prison in which the so-called Man in the Iron Mask was held in the 17th century.
Kayaking, with Chris, from Cannes to Ile Ste. Margerite
Delve deep into the centre of the earth during a caving expedition. Enjoy an orienteering game during a trek through lush forests whilst enjoying the clean and fresh mountain air of the French Alps.
Orienteering ourselves during the trekking activity
Taking a break from the steep uphills of La Mouliere
Participants, split into teams of seven, were accommodated in tipi tents located in a sheltered campsite in the middle of a forest. Kitchen facilities were basic which made preparing food for twenty eight people quite a task. Each day a different team was responsible for the preparation of breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as the subsequent cleaning of the kitchen. No one was exempted from these duties.
Taking a break from kitchen duties
The campsite was equipped with three showers which at most times did not have hot water, thus making it very interesting to see the number of techniques adopted by participants to ensure that they were in time to savour some hot water, especially after a day spent canyoning, jumping and swimming in freezing cold water!
This is the third time that I have participated in such a Challenge. The adrenaline rush provided by the various activities fades in comparison to the satisfaction that one feels when through team work a person with a disability successfully completes an activity which to us might seem like child’s play.
One can really see the effect the Ability Challenge has on persons with a disability. I could see the great improvement from last year by two participants that decided to experience the Ability Challenge again this year.
The return home.....a group of happy, satisfied and tired participants
