My name is Sanket Bhirud and I am a part of the Tandem team at the Great Himalayan Ultra Race. I am a Human Resource professional and an upcoming endurance athlete. Blind by birth, I have managed to make my mark in Paralympic swimming and athletics with seven National and 30 + state medals. On the endurance circuit, I am a finisher of Mumbai Swimathon (5km) and 2 time finisher of Navy week open sea swimming tournament (6km). Additionally, I am the first blind Tandem Cycling finisher of brevet 200km in India and I have successfully cycled from Manali to Khardung LA.

I am running this campaign to help spread awareness about the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the outdoors. Arham Shaikh and Sanket Bhirud are the first-ever Tandem pair to participate in the Himalayan Ultra Race at this altitude and I intend to support them and participate in this noble cause for enabling persons with disabilities to achieve what they have dreamt of and to unfold the myriad of possibilities for them. I am working towards building more awareness about this initiative. I believe, Mountains and the outdoors do not differentiate between anyone, so why is it that we differentiate among people? I have always believed that to change something, you have to be the change yourself.

Please support this campaign and together let us spread awareness about the inclusion of persons with disabilities.