Young Phil Bertino, an 18-year-old man living with Autism, is preparing to embark on a bicycle ride from Accra to Tamale to create awareness about tourism.
Phil, as he is affectionately called, is a professional bicycle rider, a pianist, plays lawn tennis and basketball, and is a professional swimmer.
Mrs Angel Liz Acquah Bertino, mother of Phil, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said her son had embarked on similar bicycle rides covering various destinations to create awareness about Autism and to encourage others that there was ability in Autism.
The Accra to Tamale Autism Awareness Ride is expected to be a 600-kilometer ride with the aim of challenging stereotypes and demonstrating that autism is not a limitation.
The Awareness Ride will be Phil’s longest ride yet, aimed at challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusion for autistic individuals.
During his journey, he will visit schools to engage with students and share educational materials, and meet with local communities to foster understanding about autism. and distribute books and learning resources to underserved children.
“Young Phil usually on these trips visits schools and meets communities to donate books and other educational materials and uses the opportunity to educate Ghanaians about Autism.
She said her son Phil’s dream was to become a top Paralympic bike rider for Ghana and called on stakeholders to support the dream.
“Phil can currently ride 255 kilometres per day,” she said
Mrs Acquah Bertino who is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Litzino Centre for children with Special Needs, a centre where children with autism and other special needs are nurtured using good nutrition and exercises, including massage.
She called on philanthropists and other corporate organizations to support Phil’s dream.
Source: GNA
