Yu Chui Yee, 24, had her lower-left leg amputated at the age of eleven because of cancer. She eventually overcame the disease and then took up wheelchair fencing, going on to win the world foil championship after just two years of training. She recently won a gold medal in women's fencing at the Beijing Paralympics.
Behind her success is a story of perseverance and hard work. The top athlete told her story to SHKP Club members in a recent seminar, explaining how sports helped her find happiness in life. The same seminar also had Hong Kong Gymnastics Association coaches demonstrating healthy exercises to encourage fitness among members and their families.
There were times when Ms Yu felt down about her misfortune, but she remained undeterred and even encouraged her distraught mother to be brave. A positive attitude helped Ms Yu turn adversity into opportunity and stop her family from worrying over her health.
"Coming second in one competition boosted my confidence in my abilities. I realized I had better potential and I just kept encouraging myself to do my best and go for a gold medal." Ms Yu was widely tipped as a favourite at the Paralympics, but she faltered in the first round. She told the seminar how she turned set back into positive energy and eventually won the gold medal. Ms Yu's positive character inspired the audience, and she encouraged them to set their goals for wholesome living: "Turn misfortune into a chance to make a better life." She urged people to always smile and do exercise to stay happy and fit.
Members at the seminar also praised the demonstration by the gymnastics coaches in the second half as a way of promoting fitness.
The SHKP Club Academy was introduced last August to promoting family harmony. The various activities on healthy living were highly popular with members. Participants received graduation certificates at a ceremony in December, and Club General Manager Winnie Tse led a promise by members to 'love my family' both spoken and in sign language. The various SHKP Club Academy activities helped members build loving families.
