Recently I caught up with 56 year old Ken de Soyza from Kirkcaldy who is a veteran and served in the RAF for 22 years. He had just completed a swim in the warm pool at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre. Ken values the freedom he enjoys in the water in this excellent Fife Sports and Leisure Trust facility.
Ken’s daughter Caitlyn is a peer mentor volunteer with Disability Sport Fife. I first met Ken around the time he was preparing for the 2016 Warrior Games that were held at West Point in New York State. Ken has always been a very keen road cyclist.
In 2016, while he was out cycling and training for the trials for the 2017 Invictus Games he was hit by a car. Ken suffered serious injuries, including loss of power in his left arm. Ken has what is termed a brachial plexus injury. Ken’s upper limb paralysis affected his ability to handle a cycle safely.
In May of this year Ken took possession of a brand new recumbent race tricycle and this has offered him access to the sport he loves but thought he had lost forever. Ken is once again involved in cycling but thought it had been taken away from him when he was involved in the road traffic accident. Like his Disability Sport Fife colleague Kirsty Brunton, Ken is training at the new Fife Cycle Park in Lochgelly and loving every session. Ken is covering up to 17kms but recently cracked 22 miles.
Ken demonstrates a determination and resilience that is admired by others. Ken is passionate about physical activity and his adapted tricycle has offered him the freedom and challenge he craves. Adapted equipment, inclusive facilities and key support personnel are critical to individuals who have lost power and/or mobility. In Fife they are present in abundance and best wishes to Ken as he continues to pursue his sporting aspirations. The de Soyza family are committed to the GOGA in Fife slogan of Get Out Get Active.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife