Disabled Students Win Scholarship with Wheelchair Fencing Dreams
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Two Hong Kong students with disabilities have been recognized for their exceptional resilience and achievements. Lee Kun-yi, a 20-year-old former volleyball team captain who underwent left-leg amputation after being diagnosed with Stage 4 bone cancer, has embraced wheelchair fencing and hopes to represent Hong Kong in competition. His fellow scholarship recipient, 8-year-old Kong Hei-ya, was born with only three fingers on her right hand, yet she has pursued fencing with unwavering determination and optimism. Their stories exemplify how perseverance can overcome life's most daunting challenges.
Key Points
- Lee Kun-yi was a Form 5 student who organized a 20-member volleyball team and served as captain before his cancer diagnosis
- He chose amputation over biological reconstruction after doctors presented the options as "a bad situation versus a worse situation"
- Following two years of treatment, his condition stabilized and he completed his Diploma of Secondary Education, gaining admission to City University's Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Operations Management
- Kong Hei-ya, a Primary 2 student at Baptist Convention Wang Kin Chau Primary School, began fencing at age 3.5 upon her father's encouragement to develop patience; she holds her sword with her left hand
- The scholarship program awarded 15 Excellence Achievement Scholarship recipients HK$20,000 each and 78 Potential Development Scholarship recipients HK$15,000 each
Why It Matters
These stories challenge societal perceptions about disability and demonstrate that young people facing significant health obstacles can still pursue athletic excellence and academic achievement. The recognition of such students through scholarships not only validates their individual efforts but also inspires other families navigating similar challenges to pursue opportunities beyond perceived limitations .
These stories challenge societal perceptions about disability and demonstrate that young people facing significant health obstacles can still pursue athletic excellence and academic achievement. The recognition of such students through scholarships not only validates their individual efforts but also inspires other families navigating similar challenges to pursue opportunities beyond perceived limitations .