Riding your bicycle around the neighbourhood with your mates is a happy part of our childhood that we all remember, but for inspirational 9-year-old Perth boy Josiah, this has been just a dream — until now.
Josiah was born with no arms, so riding a conventional bicycle was impossible. Late in 2008, Josiah’s mum Marika contacted Dreamfit Foundation to see if we could help.
Dreamfit Foundation teamed with our major project partner UWA and project sponsors to fulfil Josiah’s dream. 212 young engineers participated in a week-long design challenge to develop some innovative bicycle designs.
ECU Occupational Therapy students have also been involved in the challenge by conducting an assessment of Josiah’s physical needs.
Six teams of UWA engineering students competed in Josiah’s Bicycle Engineering Challenge to turn their design concepts into custom bicycles. The students were mentored by industry professionals, and supporting sponsors, Cliffs Natural Resources, Laing O’Rourke and Westnet Infrastructure Group.
The challenge culminated with a presentation ceremony and awards announcements for the competing teams at the Westcare International Day of Disability Breakfast on 3 December 2009. Josiah selected his favourite bicycle, with the other five bicycles presented to Ride Aid for delivery to children in Cambodia with disabilities similar to Josiah.
2009 Dreamcatcher Overview
