Para boccia athletes reap fulfilling lives
2023/09/14 14:46
Lately, the Chinese boccia national team has been in intense training in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, gearing up for the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
Yang Beibei, a player from the Chinese boccia national team, will compete in the BC3 division, which is designated for athletes with severe impairments. Athletes in this classification are unable to throw the ball by hand, necessitating the assistance of a ramp and helper. In 2021, she walked home with 2 gold medals at the 11th National Para Games and the 8th Special Olympic Games.
Yang has become happier ever since she played the boccia. Her left hand turned completely helpless, but she draws with her right middle and ring fingers. She struggles especially when taking photos because she has to control her trembling body. She couldn't help but smiling whenever she made one out of dozens.
Like Yang, boccia has illuminated the lives of many others. Lin Ximei, for instance, shares how the sport has helped her regain some physical skills, thus slowing down the regression of her body. It is boccia that has bestowed her with more chances to make new friends, who have become very close, and of course, plenty honors and prizes. The little boccia has brought optimism, self confidence and love to those who suffer from cerebral palsy and severe physical impairments.