2 disabled kick off Himalaya trekking

Kim Chang-ill

Kim Dong-hyun

By Kwon Ji-youn

Two disabled youths began a 15-day trek of the Himalayas accompanied by a parent Monday.

Kim Chang-ill, 22, who suffers from Down’s syndrome, is on the trek with his mother, Choi Young-mi; while Kim Dong-hyun, 19, who is autistic, is with his father, Kim Sung-jae.

The two were chosen as part of a disabled trekking team sponsored by a local social enterprise.

They will conclude their trekking once they reach Gokyo Peak in Nepal. This track is fairly popular and the peak is 5,357 meters above sea level.

Kim Chang-ill and Kim Dong-hyun said that they will do what they can to “succeed so as to give families of the disabled hope.”

Chang-ill is a graduate of Sungnam Hyeeun School, a public school for the disabled. He and his mother have been hiking for health reasons ― Choi is a breast cancer survivor.

“My son used to suffer from a fear of heights,” she said. “Although I am a little worried, he has largely overcome his fear. We hope our journey will provide other families like ours with hope.”

Dong-hyun, who hiked up Mt. Cheonggye in February, was adopted 19 years ago. He began inline skating to prepare for the trip.

“He may lack patience and judgment capabilities, but he has been exercising a lot, so I’m not too worried,” his father said. “I hope this experience will help him.”

The Kims will also be accompanied by security personnel and mentors to help ensure a safe trip.