Meet Nguyen Hoang Phuc, a 21-year-old Bocce player from Special Olympics Vietnam, whose sporting journey speaks of youthful passion and sheer determination.
As he steps onto the court, Hoang’s otherwise shy demeanour seemingly fades. Speaking on the sidelines at the World Games in Berlin last year, he said: “I’m thrilled by the challenge of overcoming obstacles.” For him, victory isn’t just about winning; it’s about the journey of self-discovery and growth that comes with it.
Beyond the thrill of competition, Hoang dreams of a bright future ahead. “My dream is to become a professional athlete,” he said. It’s a dream fuelled by his belief that youth have the power to change the world.
In his pursuit of a pro-level career in sports, Hoang finds strength in the support of his community. “My teacher at school has been my guide in helping me discover my love for sport, encouraging me every step of the way,” he acknowledges, grateful for the care and mentorship that has shaped his development and growth. Hoang’s introduction to the Special Olympics was after all through his teacher at school.
Yet, Hoang understands that ultimately, true progress and genuine inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, requires more than just individual effort—it demands collective action and societal change. “To live in a community, I need help from society to develop so I can smoothly integrate into the general community,” he said.
“Society must be more inclusive, creating opportunities for all,” he asserts, emphasising the importance of unity and solidarity in building a brighter future for every individual, regardless of abilities.
“Though the World Games initially felt very big and professional, I realised it was a great opportunity to communicate with people from other countries as well,” Hoang stated.
As Hoang stands on the world stage, representing Vietnam with pride, his journey serves as a message for youth everywhere. It’s a reminder that with dedication, hard work and strong support networks, dreams can indeed come true.
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