Peter Daetwiler, former general manager of the Monthien Hotel, recently donated some equipment to centres for disabled children and began distributing an exercise DVD he had produced. His donations were backed by the Bangkok South chapter of the Rotary Club, which matched the amount Daetwiler was going to spend on purchasing the equipment.

"Every handicapped child should have the right to learn how to realise their health potential," said Daetwiler, whose exercise regime for the disabled uses a synthetic rubber rope he calls a "cobra".

Daetwiler, who has the support of some Thai doctors and the Education Ministry, said the exercises involved stretching the rubber rope and employed some aspects of Tai Chi and Qigong traditional Chinese exercises.

"My goal is to give this method to the disabled and handicapped ... [to] give them control over themselves and help them regain balance and harmony."

Some children from the Pakkred and Din Daeng Homes for Handicapped Children have already begun using the programme. Daetwiler is now seeking matching donations from other Rotary chapters as well as private organisations to spread his invention to other parts of the Kingdom.

"Commercial companies, anybody who will come to help the handicapped is welcome," he said, adding that the exercises had brought smiles, better health and confidence to many children.

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation