Father's 7km ride with cerebral palsy daughter gives Merdeka new meaning
PUTRAJAYA: For Wira Sudepja Rabu, 51, cycling 7km with his daughter, who has cerebral palsy, to today’s National Day celebration was more than a family outing - it was his way of giving her the opportunity to experience the world.
Wira Sudepja Rabu, a 51-year-old logistics manager based in Seri Kembangan, embarked on a 7km bicycle ride with his 18-year-old daughter, Nur Wadihan, who has cerebral palsy, to participate in Malaysia's Merdeka Day celebrations. This family outing aimed to provide his daughter with the chance to experience the world beyond her physical limitations. Wira's wife, Nur Murni Dona Mohd Nordin, joined them, making it the family's third consecutive year attending the event together at Dataran Putrajaya.
The experience of cycling with his daughter is more than just a family activity for Wira. He sees it as an opportunity to challenge societal perceptions of individuals with special needs and encourage them to be seen beyond their physical limitations. For Wira, Merdeka Day represents the freedom to move and be celebrated for what they can achieve, rather than dwelling on their limitations.
His motivation stems from his daughter's constant happiness and enthusiasm whenever she is taken outdoors. Wira's journey with his daughter's special needs began in 2014 after he observed her joyous expression while passing cycling enthusiasts at recreational parks. Since then, they have participated in various marathon events and extreme cycling activities, with Wira investing in a specially designed bicycle seat for his daughter, which includes a full-support system and a water-mist fan to regulate her body temperature in hot weather.
In 2024, their plans for the National Day celebrations were thwarted by traffic congestion and road closures, which forced them to adjust their route by cycling from a more distant parking area. Wira believes that by focusing on his daughter's abilities and celebrating her life, rather than her limitations, he is embodying the true spirit of Merdeka for special-needs children.
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