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In November 2017, Dan Berlin and his guides Brad Graff, Charles Scott, and Alison Qualter-Berna navigated 100km of remote, unrestored sections of The Great Wall of China in an epic three-day, multi-sport endurance challenge.
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The team ran across steep stone staircases, crumbling ramparts, and rugged mountain passes, cycled through the remote countryside, and kayaked the river alongside the Wall.
At night, they camped in ancient, unrestored watchtowers. In the cold mornings, they loosened up with yoga before tackling the next section. Along the way they shared meals with local villagers, moving through a landscape that has stood for centuries.
Their goal? To raise awareness for what someone who is blind is capable of achieving and inspire others to go beyond their own perceived limitations.
The physical challenge was formidable, but it was never the whole story.
The most impactful moments came in the days that followed, when the team visited and met with children at schools for the blind in both China and Thailand. Dan sat with them, answered their questions, and showed them through his story and accomplishments that blindness does not define what a life can look like. TSP continues to share the stories of these schools in the hope that they receive the attention and resources their work deserves.
At the Bethel Foster Home outside Beijing, the children are blind and, in many cases, were were abandoned by their parents because of their disabilities. Even so, they inspired TSP with their resilience and joy. Anna, Wendy, and the dedicated caretakers provide loving care and work tirelessly to place into loving families through adoption.
Learn more about the Bethel Foster Home.
The Bangkok School for the Blind exemplifies what is possible through resources and dedicated leadership. Supported by thelegacy of the late King, the generosity of the Thai people, and the dedication of its director and teachers, the school equipsblind students with academic knowledge, life skills, and vocational training for meaningful employment.
In the northern province of Phrae, UNICEF Thailand brought TSP to spend the day at the Junti-Sintana School for the Blind,where students learn academic and vocational skills designed for independence and meaningful work. Their dedicated teamof teachers and administrators work with purpose and care, ensuring every student has the tools and support to succeed.
Thank you to Charles River Apparel for their generous sponsorship and for outfitting the team in the gear needed to keep warm through the cold nights in the watchtowers.
Thank you to Niamh Donohoe for her dedication and commitment to sharing the story of this journey. She donated her time and production skills to join TSP on the Great Wall with several cameras in tow. For more, visit www.niamhdonohoe.com.
Thank you to UNICEF Thailand for organizing media efforts and initiating relationships with the Schools for the Blind in Thailand. Nattha Keenapan, Thomas Davin, and the team selflessly work to create opportunities for every child. Thailand photos courtesy of UNICEF/2017/Sukhum Preechapanich.
Thank you to Intrepid Travel and the PEAK DMC office in Beijing. Hanh Nguyen, along with local guides Jerry and Alan, secured equipment, built relationships with local villagers who kept the team fed, and ensured safety across the more remote sections of The Great Wall.
