Very near the junction of Soi Khao Talo and Soi Kanoi there is a small cottage hospital financed by Nongprue City Hall. It concentrates mainly on helping those that need constant treatment by means of a dialysis machine and are virtually full every day.
But on the first floor there are a group of ladies that spend their time helping children that are disabled or, in particular, have Down syndrome. There are many families in the Nongprue area that have a child or children who is disabled to the point that they require care and attention 24 hours per day.
Fully equipped, the numbers at the centre are limited, for the staff is totally focused on helping the children and operate on a one to one basis when possible. Co-ordination, physical and mental development are their main priorities, but having fun and enjoying the 3 or 4 hours that the children spend at the centre is essential.
That is where the Billabong Golf Bar comes in. When Capt. Bob visited the centre a request was made for 3 bicycles. Cycling will teach the rider balance and demands some consideration to avoid hitting the odd tree or bush.
They have a large, quiet car park at the front of the building which is ideal for the children to cycle around with no concern for passing traffic. Three bicycles were purchased, plus another that was donated by a Billabong member. They were delivered and we quickly realized that these were going to be a great success, for one particular young lady found that cycling was great fun and could not be separated from her new found toy.
