Aberystwyth Wheelchair Basketball player Kai Frisby will be part of this year’s Rickshaw Challenge in aid of Children in Need.

The 16-year-old will join BBC presenter Matt Baker MBE when the challenge reaches Aberystwyth on Wednesday 19 October.

Kai was born with Cerebral Palsy and has had limited mobility all his life. Despite an operation at the age of seven to help him walk, Kai is a full-time wheelchair user.

When Kai discovered his local Aberystwyth Wheelchair Basketball club, he found a new passion and determination, as well as new friends and his identity. His head coach says that he is a natural wheelchair basketball player.

Kai has since made the Commonwealth Games qualifiers and carried the baton in the relay.

“Wheelchair Basketball is my passion, and with the help and support of Disability Sport Wales it has given me drive, determination and confidence – and it continues to allow me to live my life to the fullest,” says Kai. 

“The Rickshaw Challenge is out of my comfort zone being a wheelchair user, but it’s an excellent opportunity to give back and hopefully help others to engage in participation.

“As his parents, it’s fantastic to see Kai thriving at the moment,” said Kai’s father Danny Frisby. 

“Exercise continues to be the thing that drives him forward and it’s wonderful to see him so happy. Dwi'n falch!”

“I am so excited to get back on the road again,” says Matt Baker. 

“This is the highlight of my year, and I can’t wait for you to meet this group of riders who all have their own inspiring stories to tell.

“We’d love to have your support on the road this year, but if you can’t make it please tune in and watch us on BBC Breakfast every morning.

“We know it’s a challenging year for everyone, but if you’re able to donate, it would be greatly appreciated, and it will make a huge difference to the lives of children and young people all over the UK.”

This week’s Rickshaw Challenge, (17-21 October) will be broadcast live on BBC Breakfast every morning from 06:00. There will also be a special one-off documentary entitled The Rickshaw Relay Rides Again broadcast on BBC One on Tuesday 15 November. It will share the team’s remarkable stories and celebrate the history of the Rickshaw Challenge, while at the same time raising life-changing money for the charity as part of its 2022 Children in Need appeal.

You can follow the Rickshaw Challenge via the tracker at:www.live.opentracking.co.uk/cin2022/