Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Athletes

Celebrating World Bicycle Day with Special Olympics Mauritius Athlete Al-Sayyed Curumthaullee

Al-Sayyed Curumthaullee standing in a black photography studio dressed in his black cycling gear standing next to a blue bicycle.
Al-Sayyed Curumthaullee is an athlete leader from Special Olympics Mauritius who competes in cycling.

Since 2018, World Bicycle Day has been celebrated on June 3. The United Nations passed a resolution to recognize "the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport."

To help celebrate World Bicycle Day, Al-Sayyed Curumthaullee, a cyclist from Special Olympics Mauritius, shares his athlete leadership journey.

My name is Al-Sayyed Curumthaullee. Since 2013, I am have been a part of Special Olympics Mauritius and I am the current President of the Athlete Leadership Council of Mauritius. In my free time, I like to learn about mechanics and play sports.

People used to bother me all the time when I was growing up, asking what will he do in the future? I was fortunate as my parents never gave up on me and helped me to find a specialist school. At first I was very aggressive, because people didn’t understand the challenges that I faced. When I first joined Special Olympics I was very shy, I did not speak to many people, but with time my confidence grew. When I was young, people would make fun of me, but today I am proud because of who I am.

Today I want to show the world who I am, and social media helps me to accomplish this. Why can’t people with intellectual disabilities show off what they are doing? I’m proud of the activities I take part in. I love riding my bicycle and helping other athletes who maybe can’t ride a bicycle. If I’m not confident, my fellow athletes will not be confident. I am a role model for them. Role models inspire people and if I don’t show off my power, my fellow athletes will not gain that trust in their own capabilities.

It’s all about trust, if you trust yourself, you will look into a mirror and love yourself. I used to be frustrated inside but now I know that I have to share my experiences, we are not different but equal.

Recommended Content

Never Give Up: Meet Al-Sayyed

Al-Sayyed joined Special Olympics as a volunteer. Then he became an athlete. Now he is a leader.

Special Olympics Mauritius Launched Healthy Communities

The program, launched in 2017, aims to expand services via a year-round model that reaches more athletes.
1 Min Read

Anas Khalil Al Zorba: From Athlete to Coach

Anas Khalil Al Zorba was once described by some as hyperactive with excessive movement. Then, he joined Special Olympics Palestine. Because of his sports training, the exercise and rules of game helped him control his energy and gain discipline.
1 Min Read