In a world where problems often seem overwhelming, it is easy to forget about our hopes and dreams. But what if I told you that people can get through even the most demanding challenges? Today, I want to share a story about determination, staying strong, and chasing a bigger purpose, linking recent global events with personal victories.
As I think about the recent typhoon Yogi, I'm reminded of how delicate our world is and how strong those who face such challenges must be. Typhoons typically test our limits, yet we've seen people survive and stay strong during the chaos.
This strength isn't just about natural disasters. It proves our ability to overcome, adjust, and succeed even when things seem impossible. This brings me to another inspiring event—the Paralympic Games in Paris.
The Paralympics highlight what people can do, showing athletes who have pushed past boundaries and re-defined what they can achieve. These driven individuals show true determination. They've faced physical, mental, and social hurdles, yet they've decided to go beyond them, following their dreams.
Watching these athletes reminds me of my own experiences as an elite athlete and, more recently, with paragliding. I recently went on a paragliding adventure that challenged me beyond my comfort zone. The video I shared isn't just about an exciting experience—it symbolises my journey in beating fear and doubt.
When I first thought about paragliding, my doubts were loud and endless. "It's too dangerous," they said. You're not meant for this," they whispered. You can never be a paragliding pilot,” they held. But deep down, I knew these limits were my own creation. I had a dream—a vision of flying through the sky, free from the limits that had held me back for so long.
Like the Paralympic athletes and those affected by Typhoon Yogi, I decided to face my fears directly. I took on the challenge as a personal goal and to inspire others to deal with their self-imposed limits.
The day of my final qualifying flight brought feelings of excitement and fear. As I stood ready to launch, my heart pounding, I reminded myself of the many people who had overcome more significant challenges. This was just a tiny step for me.
And then, I took off.
The moment my chair left the ground, something amazing happened. I felt a deep sense of freedom and success. It wasn't just about flying—it was about breaking through the mental blocks that had held me back for so long, achieving licensed paragliding pilot status, and being the first of my kind in Asia and Africa.
This experience taught me a key lesson about finding a bigger purpose in life. It's not about having no fears or obstacles; it's about choosing to follow our dreams despite them. It's about seeing that our real strength lies in what we can achieve when we push past our perceived limits.
The Paralympics capture this idea perfectly. Each athlete in Paris has a unique story of overcoming challenges. They've faced physical limits, social biases, and personal doubts. Yet, they've defined themselves by their potential, not their limits. Their participation isn't just about winning medals – it's about showing the world what's possible when we refuse to be limited by our situations.
Here, I would especially like to salute the paralympic athletes who represented Hong Kong in Paris 2024, especially those who returned with medals.
John Loung Boccia Gold
Ho Yuen Kei Boccia Gold
Tse Tak Wah, Ho Yuen Kei Boccia Gold
Chan Yui-lam Para Swimming Silver
Cheung Yuen Boccia Silver
Chan Ho Yuen Badminton Silver
Leung Yuk Wing, Cheung Yuen Boccia Silver
Ng Cheuk Yan Para Swimming Bronze
Although much smaller, my paragliding adventure connects to these more significant events through the shared spirit of human strength and the search for meaning. It's a reminder that we all have the power to face our fears, step out of our comfort zones, and achieve what we once thought was impossible.
I dedicate this blog to my good friend and mentor, AFM Con Conway, who taught me so much about living life passionately and finding meaning in every moment. Today marks the 12th anniversary of his passing, and I reflect on his impact on my life.
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