Adaptive bikes presented to Westmoreland's young riders

Amiyr Mack couldn’t contain his excitement as he crossed the finish line, pedaling away on his new bike, one that for the first time will allow him to enjoy the same fun as most other 11-year-old boys.

Mack of New Kensington whooped and waved his arms as he crossed the finish line ahead of Westmoreland County commissioners, who challenged him to a race in front of the courthouse after Variety the Children’s Charity presented him with an adaptive bike Tuesday afternoon at the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg.

The Pine-based charity has since 2012 been gifting special bikes, strollers and communication devices to families of disabled children. The annual giveaway was scaled down this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the charity presented five bikes and three strollers to youngsters. Two additional children were sized and fitted for new bikes.

“It means everything,” said Brittany Mack, Amiyr’s mother. “When his cousins come over, he can now ride his bike with them. He can ride it in the house with no issues.”

Mack’s son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She called the gift a blessing and said the bike will help support and strengthen her son’s legs as he grows.

And that’s the idea, said Variety Chief Executive Officer Charles LaVallee. LaVallee said the organization has handed out more than 4,000 bikes and strollers over the past nine years, including nearly 900 over the past 12 months, during the coronavirus pandemic. The organization has launched its spring campaign to find free adaptive equipment for another 1,000 children.

The equipment presented Tuesday allows children with mobility issues a safe way to ride a bike or be out for walks with loved ones.

“It’s really giving an opportunity to be included, to live life to the fullest. Instead of siting on the bench, on the porch watching everyone else ride, now they’re up riding,” LaVallee said.

Disabled children 3 through 21 are eligible to receive equipment from Variety. LaVallee said a family of four with an annual income of up to $132,000 can qualify for the bikes, strollers and communication devices. Applications for the program can be found on Variety’s website.

LaVallee said while the gifts are for the kids, it’s the adults who receive the biggest reward.

“Experiences like today, the kids are so excited. Their joy has changed my life. I’m different because of them. I wish everybody in our society can have that kind of encounter where they are different because of the joy of a child who never thought they could ride a bike,” LaVallee said.

It’s a joy 14-year-old Bridgette Joyce of West Newton experienced twice Tuesday as she rode in her new stroller and then her new bike with help from her parents.

“This is lifting her spirits,” said her mother, Kathleen. “We can get her out in public more, we can get her out on the bike trail, she can get more exercise — things that physically she can’t do on her own.”