Disability to Enability

Ekapak Winyaphap Start Date: Sep 11, 2023 - End Date: Mar 10, 2024
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
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My Travel Story

by: Ekapak Winyaphap Start Date: Sep 11, 2023 - End Date: Mar 10, 2024
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
Disability is a matter of the mind, not the body.
Hello, my name is Ekapak Winyaphap, but people call me Joe. Currently, I hold
two positions - the first being the farm manager of my family's durian farm, and the second as a co-founder of Nasoform, a medical device company specializing in helping children with cleft palate.

Triathlon as a Catalyst for Change: Turning to triathlon was a turning point in my life. The physical and mental demands of the sport not only helped me stay active and healthy, but it also provided me with a sense of purpose and determination. As I embraced the sport, I realized that I could use it as a platform to inspire others with disabilities to believe in themselves and their capabilities.

Forming a Triathlon Team of Disabled Athletes: Fuelled by my passion and desire to make a difference, I decided to create a triathlon team exclusively comprising disabled athletes. The team became a symbol of strength and resilience, breaking barriers in a society where people with disabilities often face limited opportunities. Our journey was not without struggles, but we persisted, overcoming obstacles and disproving societal stereotypes.

My life took an unexpected accident five years ago when I had to come to terms with living as a person with a disability in Thailand. While it has not been an easy journey, I never allowed myself to be defeated by depression. Instead, I used my passion for sports, particularly triathlon, to form a team of disabled athletes who have become a source of inspiration for others. Through my experiences, I aim to showcase the presence of disabled individuals in Thai society and demonstrate that a fulfilling life is attainable regardless of one's physical condition.
"I'm looking for funding to take my family on an adventure and travel both in Japan and the Netherlands. Both are dream destinations, but unfortunately, opportunities and income for disabled individuals in Thailand are not sufficient to provide my two children with more exposure. Thank you to everyone who gives me this opportunity."
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