Claire Wyatt, a 24-year-old British volunteer, led eight Cambodians living with disabilities on a 155-mile bike ride from Phnom Penh, the nation’s capital, to Siem Reap to raise money and deliver supplies to those in need in the coronavirus pandemic(新冠病毒大流行).
“Leading this trip was an incredibly special experience for me,” said Claire. “Not only was I encouraged by the determination of each and every rider, but also the team taught me every day not to focus on their disability.”
When she was first asked to lead the trip, Claire admitted, she was feeling nervous about her team traveling such a distance in just a few days because cycling with a disability can come with added physical and emotional challenges.
One team member named Dy, who lost an arm in an accident, biked using just one arm to balance. Another named Vulta could only pedal on one side due to polio(小儿麻痹). Despite all the difficulties, Claire realized quickly that she didn’t have to worry about her team. She saw them deal with rough area that she had seen abled cyclists give up on before.
The volunteers covered the distance in just four days, not only helping so many people across the country, but also overcoming huge difficulties to get there.
“The best thing about this ride is that the riders have all volunteered their time to do this. They are so enthusiastic about Cambodia and raising money for others in need,” said Claire. “The money raised will feed 99 families in Siem Reap.”
Claire recalled her favorite moment of the experience, when one of the cyclists pushed an exhausted teammate up a hill for 2 miles. “One moment that stood out for me was when Naret, our only female rider, was feeling tired,” she said. “Her fellow rider gently put his hand on her back and pushed her for 2 miles! They were encouraging each other to push through the tiredness.”
5. Why did Claire and eight Cambodians cycle 155 miles?
A.To challenge themselves. | B.To help out needy people. |
C.To take part in a competition. | D.To raise money for the disabled. |
6. What worried Claire before the ride?
A.She might be injured on the road. | B.She would be unable to lead the team. |
C.Her team might be looked down on. | D.Her team couldn’t finish the route. |
7. Which of the following can best describe the team?
A.Confident, calm and friendly. | B.Honest, patient and open-minded. |
C.Strong-minded, brave and caring. | D.Curious, creative and experienced. |
8. What did Claire think of the journey?
A.It could have taken less time. |
B.It was amazing and inspiring. |
C.It changed her idea about human nature. |
D.It was more difficult than she had expected. |