Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
‘Zig Zag Zach’ set for big race
TEN- year- old Zach Legward is gearing up for his biggest ever race. Zach is a paraplegic. But this remarkable youngster from Kraaifontein will be putting his abilities on show when he lines up with 4 500 other participants at the Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour in July.
Three years ago the Paarl School pupil took up hand-cycling. His father Geoff admits it’s been a thrilling journey so far. “We call him ‘Zig Zag Zach’ because he’s extremely excited when cycling on the road and looks everywhere, so he wanders a bit.”
Geoff says he is confident his son will finish the 50km long race, and he’s also offered young Zach R10 for every kilometre he cycles.
Few would bet against Zach going all the way, especially since he is being mentored by world- renowned hand- cyclist Ernst van Dyk.
Zach’s father is under no illusions that the tour is going to be easy for Zach. “Because he uses his arms, the equivalent of Zach’s 35km ride is 10km for a cyclist on a normal bike”, says Geoff.
“He’s a speed and adrenaline freak, and because his hand-cycle can go 50km/h, I tend to be over-protective, but he just loves speed and has an amazing balance. “He doesn’t worry as much as I do.”
Geoff, who built Zach’s special hand- cycle using aluminium, lamented the country’s state of cycling for paraplegics. “In this country, there are always challenges for paraplegics. The moment you mention the word ‘ disabled’, whatever you’re buying is expensive,” he said.
It cost him R35 000 to put together Zach’s aluminium hand-cycle, which took him four months to create. Geoff is considering importing a hand-cycle, which would set him back around R100 000. He believes Zach’s fascination with cycling, would make it worth every cent. “He loves it and lives for it.” Zach’s activity list is impressive. He does scuba diving and also flies radio-controlled aeroplanes. Elwin Thompson, director of the Knysna Cycle Tour, says three paraplegic athletes, including Zach, have confirmed their participation
He praised Zach’s efforts. “What a fantastic and brave little athlete. He is an inspiration to all,” Thompson said.
Entries for the cycle tour on July 8 are still open. Funds raised go to charities, schools and other projects.