Friends with disabilities
Walking as a fitness activity is very popular among Beijing residents, with enthusiasts of all ages and genders, including people with disabilities. Recently, a group of friends with disabilities participated in a charity walkathon at Beijing Olympic Forest Park, among whom those in wheelchairs were especially moving.
This walking fitness event was initiated by the Beijing Alumni Association of Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. The theme of the event was “Love Gathers at Cheung Kong, Disaster Relief and Disability Support.” They hoped to raise funds through this activity to assist impoverished students with disabilities caused by earthquakes. To promote walking as a fitness activity and support public welfare, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports included this event in the 9th Beijing National Fitness Sports Festival. At the event, hundreds of alumni association members, their families, and friends—especially a fitness group of 100 people with disabilities (40 hearing-impaired, 20 visually impaired, and 40 with physical disabilities)—were particularly eye-catching.
Mr. Guo Jiqing, 74, from Xiangheyuan Community, participated in the walkathon in a wheelchair due to a disability in his lower back. However, Mr. Guo revealed, “I’m using a wheelchair because Olympic Forest Park is so large. In my residential community, I usually walk for exercise without one. Although I walk slowly, it’s still good exercise. There are also some people with disabilities in our community who take part in fitness activities, which makes us feel that life is quite enjoyable. Walking in the sunshine is also good for our health.”
Mr. Li Guohua, 76, also took part in a wheelchair. “I’m only 76, I’m still young!” Mr. Li said in a clear voice. Although he has been using a wheelchair for over 20 years due to mobility issues, like Mr. Guo, he avoids using it when possible. “I still do some simple exercises. Now I want to try walking longer distances. This kind of activity is very beneficial for the body.”
Ms. Chen Yuqin, 55, wore a dark red outfit, sunglasses, and a sun hat, giving her a particularly “cool” look. Despite being in a wheelchair, her joyful presence was palpable, and her optimism infected everyone around her. “My left arm has been problematic for about six years, making it hard to hold things. I’ve just retired, so I’ve started trying out some fitness activities. People shouldn’t just sit at home all the time. Don’t let the wheelchair fool you—I don’t use it normally. A few days ago, I went to Yanqi Lake Park with some other women with disabilities. Actually, we hope to participate in activities just like everyone else. Our daily goal is to be happy and joyful. If I don’t say anything, no one would even know I have a disability.”