Several TKU’s students attended the National Paralympics Games from May 28 to 30 have won an impressive number of medals in various categories. This island-wide games is open for all ages so this year there were 1600 strong of competitors from all walks of life participating in this great event. Despite stiff competition, TKU’s students managed to shine in several categories. For example, Yang Shu-chi, the senior from the Chinese Department, who is visually impaired, won the Gold in long jump, Silver in 100-meter sprint and the Bronze in javelin. Chiu Wen-shen, a freshman from the History Department won the Gold in 100-meter race, the Silver in long jump and the Bronze with his teammate, Chen Jun-ming in Gateball. Huang Kuan-Hwa, a sophomore from the English Department won several medals at the swimming contest such as the Gold in 400 meter, Bronze in 50 meter as well as 100 meter.

For them, the competition is not just about winning. It is about proving to oneself that they have the mental strength to overcome any difficulties in life instead of giving up or giving in to their disability. Some of their personal stories are a manifestation of such efforts. Yang Shu-chi, whose vision is severely impaired due to a hereditary degenerative disease, went through a world in color to a world of various shades of gray at the age of 15. Instead of being deterred by his own impairment, he continued doing what he had always loved—sports, with a passion. In Tamkang, he still spends most of his free time playing basketball, table tennis, bowling, and billiards.

Chiu Wen-sheng, who is also visually impaired, does not just enjoy sports, but in fact, thrives on the thrills of competition. His gold medal in Gateball with his teammate Chen Jun-ming is a reflection of his fierce competitive spirit. Both of them are also in TKU baseball team and will go to the States in July to compete in the World Cup for the Visually Impaired. They are thrilled and vowed to do their best to make Taiwan proud.

Huang Kang-hwa, on the other hand, unfortunately lost one of his legs during his military service in an accident when a bomb exploded. His right calf had to be amputated as a result. However, in the rehab following the operation, he began to swim, and this turned into a more serious exercise regime after his initial recovery. He had taken some lessons from the coach of the Tao Yuan County Swimming Team, which preceded his formal training in swimming as a serious swimmer. It has only been one and half years since he became a competitive swimmer, which is relatively short for any swimmer, but he is already on TKU’s swimming team competing everywhere regularly. It shows that not only he is a gifted swimmer but also has a devilish determination to succeed.

He remains humble about his achievement despite his medals. Even though his achievement is extraordinary considering the numerous competitors in his category (He was in the less disabled group where more competitors attended), he hopes to do better with some extra hard work.

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