Reiskirchen, Germany - Wings for Handicapped wants to improve the mobility of handicapped and seriously ill children. They take these children on their boat, the Hoppetosse, for an unforgettable trip on the water. The name of the boat refers to the children’s literary character Pippi Longstocking’s father. In the books by Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking is the most powerful girl in the world, fearing nothing and no one. She makes the impossible possible, which is what Wings for Handicapped wants to achieve.

Wings for Handicapped, also known as w4h, was founded in 2000 by Jörg Leonhardt. Leonhardt was paralyzed at age 18 as a result of a car crash. He uses a wheelchair, but that doesn’t keep him from living an active life. He dives, flies and plays wheelchair basketball. Leonhardt has a mission: he wants to show handicapped and seriously ill children that they too can fulfill their dreams and open up new horizons.

w4h takes handicapped and ill children on an exciting trip on a 28.2’ (8.6m) long rubber speedboat. Leonhardt steers the boat himself. Leonhardt said, “The human being is what we focus on, not his or her restrictions. We give the children the opportunity to strengthen their self-awareness and have unforgettable experiences.”

w4h organizes all sorts of events for handicapped and ill children. The association also participates in many exhibitions in order to promote their work and thank their supporters. “The only financial resources we have come from gifts. Trade shows give us the opportunity to bring attention to our cause and the people and companies that support us .In this way, we can thank them for their financial and material help.