SZer wins at Abilympics

Writer: Zhang Yu  |  Editor: Zhang Chanwen  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2023-03-28

Chen Dong, a Chinese contestant from Shenzhen, has won the silver medal at the data management and processing event at the 10th International Abilympics held in Metz, France, the Shenzhen Disabled Persons Federation said Sunday.

The Chinese delegation garnered a total of six gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals at this edition of the Abilympics.

Chen Dong (R), a Chinese contestant from Shenzhen who won the silver medal at the data management and processing event at the 10th International Abilympics held in Metz, France, takes the stage to receive his award Saturday. Xinhua

“Being able to represent my country in an international competition is my greatest honor,” Chen said in an interview before the game.

Born in November 1990, Chen had both legs amputated when he was 6 years old due to a car accident. With his family’s loving care and his hard work, Chen was successfully admitted to a college and became a software engineer after graduation.

Chen came to work in Shenzhen in 2011. It took him two years to start from working on projects with senior employees to leading software development projects and then to becoming a project manager, winning the recognition of his colleagues and clients.

“At first, I just thought that engineers didn’t need to go out and were more suitable for me. Gradually, I fell in love with this profession, where I realized my own value rather than being a burden to others,” Chen was quoted as saying.

In addition to his rich work experience, Chen has also participated in various professional skills competitions at the municipal, provincial and national levels. In 2021, he won the title of national technical expert awarded by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

The International Abilympics is known as the highest-level professional skills competition for disabled people worldwide. It has been held nine times since the first edition in 1981. China has participated in eight editions since the second International Abilympics in 1985.

A total of 410 players and over 200 judges from 22 countries and regions from four continents participated in this year’s event. The Chinese delegation had sent 29 contestants to compete in 20 events in nine categories.