Spinal chord damaged in rocket attack on home
AN Afghanistani man who lost the use of his legs when his home was hit by a missile, is to take part in this year’s Great Limerick Run. Sultan Kakar, 27, told the Limerick Post that he had been playing in the garden at his Afghanistan home, aged just four, when a rocket hit killing his cousin and injuring his spinal chord beyond repair.
While he still has feeling in his legs, Sultan cannot walk, but is determined to prove that those who are wheelchair bound can live full and successful lives in every regard.
Three years ago, he and his family followed his older brother to Ireland and they now live in Limerick city, where Sultan has a jam packed life full of study, sports and socialising.
“I decided to take on the Great Limerick Run in aid of Spina Bifida to prove that someone in a wheelchair can do just as much as an able bodied person.
“I wanted to set the challenge for myself and I’m going to attempt to complete the half marathon faster than an able bodied athlete can run the full marathon”.
Earlier this year Sultan took on the Croom 6km road race, which he completed in 46 minutes.
He also participates in a range of sports including wheelchair basketball, rugby and soccer, while he is part of the Limerick Spoken Dance company, with whom he will perform for President Michael D Higgins when he attends the Eigse Michael Hartnett festival in Newcastle West on April 26.
On top of all this, Sultan is currently in his second year of a degree in Computer Networks and Systems Management at Limerick Institute of Technology.
“I’m aiming to prove that there is no need to set limits for yourself, no matter what your situation.
“Having any disability does not mean that I or anyone else is unable to do things; There are always ways to achieve anything you set your mind to if you have the determination”.
