Fijian ‘Brothers’ Cycle Across Portugal, Spain for Brotherhood
Two young Fijians, one with special needs, have cycled the 240km Camino Way pilgrimage that crosses Portugal into Spain.
The two-week cycling adventure was life changing for the young men, Sujit Kumar and Sam Kumar – with Sam riding his bicycle through flat and mountainous terrain, pulling Sujit in a specially designed trailer.
The incredible journey is being made into a documentary for international distribution, called ‘I AM my Brother’s Keeper’, to tell the inspirational story of the platonic love between two young men, and the compassion one has for the other.
“Some days I would look at the rocky, steep path ahead on the Camino Way and wonder if I had the energy to cycle my bike, pulling Sujit, up all those hills ahead of me,” said Sam who, despite sharing the same surname is not Sujit’s brother, but they have lived in the same home for half his young life.
“But it was not a hardship, it was a partnership, and we were journeying together – things of the heart are difficult to explain,” Sam said.
During the two-week cycle, which ended early in July 2017, the two ‘brothers’ were accompanied by several friends from across the world who joined them for short distances on the long journey. They stayed each night in hostels, called Albergues, from the town of Porto in Portugal across to Santiago de Compostella, Spain.
“It was a first; we asked experienced walkers and people who are part of the Camino Way but they did not provide positive feedback, in fact they were quite discouraging, as they had never heard of anyone cycling with a trailer carrying a person before. They felt that it might not be possible to do such an undertaking. “But it worked for us. We had to walk in some rough parts, pushing the bike and trailer; we took rests, and made daily plans on the exact route we would take, that is, if we had a choice. “At one point we had a group of cyclists carry the trailer through a very rough patch for about 40 metres, where it was impossible to take the trailer. I have to admit it was tough going and exhausting, at times, especially pulling a trailer. But Sujit was very co-operative, at least after he realised what his day was going to be about!” said Sam.
“It was an amazing adventure, made possible by a dream and lots of planning and determination, but also the supportive back-up team of friends who joined at various stages, who kept me company and encouraged me to conquer the challenge,” Sam said.
Sam Kumar, aged 20, is a student, at the University of the South Pacific, who has resided at the Happy Home since he was 11 years. He is an active member of Cycling Fiji Club.
Sujit Kumar, who is unrelated to Sam, has lived at the Happy Home for the past 14 years. Sujit’s story has had international interest after it became known that he had been tethered to a bed, in an aged care institution in Suva, since he was a child, suffering the traumatic consequences of isolation and confinement. He is now being cared for and provided with love and rehabilitation at the Happy Home.
It was not a hardship, it was a partnership, and we were journeying together – things of the heart are difficult to explain. Sam Kumar Brother of Sujit Kumar