Fang Yuxiang: A boy with no legs lives life to the fullest
2023-05-11 19:05:19
By Yan Wanqin, Yichang International Communication Studio
The 11th Paralympic Games of Hubei Province took place in Yichang on May 10. A sign language recitation was performed at the opening ceremony by Tai Lihua, president of the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe, and Fang Yuxiang, the "bench boy.”
Fang Yuxiang is from Yuan'an County, Yichang City. He lost his legs in a car accident at the age of two and began his life with prosthetics after surgery. Since kindergarten, he has been wearing prosthetic legs weighing more than three kg to school every day.
"I lost my legs, but I can still live happily!" As he grew older, Fang became stronger and more optimistic.
In 2020, 11-year-old Fang took off his prosthetics and learned how to walk by using two small benches moved with his hands. He underwent a rigorous training program in order to increase his flexibility and mobility.
Having learned to walk using just the benches, he enjoys life as much as any other teenager around him. When going upstairs or downstairs in this way, his arms move with the same speed and agility as feet. Known as “bench boy” on social media, he has become a sensation for his courage, determination and hard work in learning.
Fang has not felt alone due to the love and care society has shown him for over a decade. His school waived his tuition and fees, and a teacher even taught him to play the cucurbit flute out of their own good will.
With gratitude, Fang repays his parents and is always willing to help others. He helps his mother with household chores, takes the initiative to help his classmates with homework, and plays the cucurbit flute for the elderly living alone.
"I want to be a teacher, it's fun to teach students. If I can't be a teacher, I will be a person who can give back to the society," said Fang.
The 11th Paralympic Games of Hubei Province took place in Yichang on May 10. A sign language recitation was performed at the opening ceremony by Tai Lihua, president of the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe, and Fang Yuxiang, the "bench boy.”
Fang Yuxiang is from Yuan'an County, Yichang City. He lost his legs in a car accident at the age of two and began his life with prosthetics after surgery. Since kindergarten, he has been wearing prosthetic legs weighing more than three kg to school every day.
"I lost my legs, but I can still live happily!" As he grew older, Fang became stronger and more optimistic.
In 2020, 11-year-old Fang took off his prosthetics and learned how to walk by using two small benches moved with his hands. He underwent a rigorous training program in order to increase his flexibility and mobility.
Having learned to walk using just the benches, he enjoys life as much as any other teenager around him. When going upstairs or downstairs in this way, his arms move with the same speed and agility as feet. Known as “bench boy” on social media, he has become a sensation for his courage, determination and hard work in learning.
Fang has not felt alone due to the love and care society has shown him for over a decade. His school waived his tuition and fees, and a teacher even taught him to play the cucurbit flute out of their own good will.
With gratitude, Fang repays his parents and is always willing to help others. He helps his mother with household chores, takes the initiative to help his classmates with homework, and plays the cucurbit flute for the elderly living alone.
"I want to be a teacher, it's fun to teach students. If I can't be a teacher, I will be a person who can give back to the society," said Fang.
