Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – When Gary Leung lost his complete sight about 25 years ago, he felt very sad.
Leung, from Hong Kong, became so depressed that he contemplated suicide, and believed that facing “rock bottom” would be a daily battle, until he found running his only outlet.
Leung was born with a rare retinal disease.Credit: The Roly-Poly Inclusion Movement Association
Today, in his 50s, Leung has run the 100-kilometre Antarctic Ice Marathon. He became the first blind person to do so.
He also participated in the “Ultra Gobi” race, which is 400 kilometers long and is considered one of the most difficult running races in the world.
He recently embarked on a 2,300-kilometre charitable journey from the Japanese city of Kagoshima on the island of Kyushu to the north of the Japanese city of Aomori on the country’s main island of Honshu.
Japan’s Dark Race 2023 was divided into 40 days, meaning Leung and his guides ran an average of more than 50 kilometers per day.
The goal of the race was to raise money for young people suffering from serious illnesses, through the Roly Poly Inclusion Movement Association, a local non-profit organization.
Photo of Young jogging with a guide during his recent long trip in Japan.Credit: The Roly-Poly Inclusion Movement Association
Although many consider Leung, who was born with a rare retinal disease, impressive, he does not find himself so.
“The most impressive thing are these children,” he said. “I wanted to show them that we all face obstacles, but they must be faced head-on and with courage.”
“There is no need to be afraid”
Leung may not be able to see, but that doesn’t make him afraid to run long distances.
“There is no need to be afraid if you lack something, the universe will bless you with other talents,” Leung emphasized.
Beneficiary President Anita Lai says Leong’s “hard effort” in Japan was “truly an inspiration for all sick children to encourage them to fight their illnesses in a positive way.”
Leung Ho is the first visually impaired runner in Hong Kong to obtain a long-distance coaching licence.
“I want to pass the torch,” he said with a smile. “I’m not the youngest anymore, and I won’t be able to cover these distances for much longer.”
2024-01-07 06:06:41
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