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Local Hand Cyclist Creates Foundation

Courtesy photo

Highlands Pedalers President Bob Hodges shakes Keane West’s hand recently during a check presentation representing the bike club’s pledge of $1,000 to Disability Hand Cycling Foundation. West is surrounded by club members Rick Johnson, Terrell Morris, wife Chris West, foundation members Ken New, Jim Hinkle and Margaret Callahan.

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Special to Highlands Today

Published: June 27, 2008

SEBRING — A local hand cycler who has set a record in the Guiness Book of World Records has formed a foundation to help children with disabilities.

Keane West, along with supporters, have launched the Disability Hand Cycling Foundation and is looking for donations.

The bicycle group Highlands Pedalers is challenging other organizations to support the foundation. The donation will help West upgrade to a faster, better bike and international racing, in hopes of landing a spot on the 2012 U.S. Paralympics team.

As a hand cyclist, West has been building a reputation on the national hand-cycling circuit, according to a press release. In February he rode a hand cycle 322.4 miles in the 24 Hours of Sebring, a record, according to Guinness World Records.

West is paralyzed from the waist down. A few weeks ago he missed qualifying for the 2008 U.S. Paralympics team by two berths at the Denver trials. Now he's putting the finishing touches on a not-for-profit organization. West wants to help kids with disabilities on a hand cycle, enabling people with disabilities to pursue active lifestyles through hand cycling and competitive events, he said.

The Disability Hand Cycling Foundation board directors are: West, president; foundation vice president Margaret Callahan is the financial director of Glades Electric. Board member Jim Hinkle, who works for Sebring attorney and county commissioner Andrew Jackson, is assisting with incorporation paperwork and identification numbers.

Other members include Ken New of New Trucking; Laura and Glenn Stimson of Glades Electric and treasurer Lee Dyce, branch manager of Seacoast National Bank.

"I have my sights set on the 2012 games, and this great foundation will help me get there," West said. "I anticipate faster times in the near future, with the purchase of a German-made Schmicking hand cycle."

With the $1,000 donation from Highlands Pedalers, West has raised more than half the $9,414 needed for the bike, which doesn't include travel to Germany for final custom fitting or shipping.

Contributions can be made to Disability Hand Cycling Foundation at Seacoast National Bank, Lake Placid, 199 U.S. 27 N., 33862. Phone 465-4834.

Keane West can be reached at 863-699-1858.

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