In a world where there only ever seems to be bad news, a feel good story can really lift your spirits.
These two are recent examples which have really put things into perspective for me.
From Genocide to the Games
Adrien Niyonshuti is young man from Rwanda. He survived the infamous 1994 genocide, when he was only seven years old. Tragically 6 of his brothers and 60 of his wider family were killed.
Later he took up cycling as a way of dealing with the horrors of his childhood. When he was older, he impressed selectors and was signed to the Team Rwanda based in Ruhengeri.
From there he only excelled - becoming the first black African to compete in the pro peleton when he raced the Tour of Ireland in 2009.
In 2012 Adrien was chosen to represent Rwanda at the London Olympic Games in the sport of mountain biking. He proudly carried the flag of Rwanda at the opening ceremony. A dream come true.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/09/sport/olympics-rwanda-cyclist-niyonshuti
From Jail Bars to Handlebars
Reon Nolan had a troubled childhood. Born into a world of crime and violence, Reons dad was murdered when he was 11.
Spiraling out of control, he joined a gang and lead a life of crime, drugs and stealing. These activities led to him serving jailtime many times, sometimes only spending a few months 'on the outside' before being sent back behind bars.
After being letdown by his so-called 'gang friends', Reon was parolled and released into the care of the Sailsbury Street Foundation, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. It was here that he was introduced to cycling.
Fast forward through thousands of kilometres of training and racing over the last two years, and this unlikely character is representing New Zealand at New Zealand’s only international race - the NZCT Cycle Classic.
Just goes to show, it's never too late to turn your life around.
http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/news/42134/Reon-Nolan:-Saved-by-cycling
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