Among the notable figures representing people with disabilities in Da Nang at the 2024 "Vietnamese Spirit of Resilience" programme, organised by the Viet Nam Youth Federation and TCP Viet Nam Co., Ltd., is Mr. Pham Ba Quyen, residing at 401 Nguyen Van Cu, Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, Lien Chieu District, Da Nang.

Mr. Quyen and his team receive an award in athletics.

Mr. Pham Ba Quyen has a severe disability in his left leg, with a 61% reduction in work capacity, yet has achieved remarkable accomplishments not often attained by individuals with similar disabilities.

At the young age of two and a half, he faced a serious accident, turning his life upside down and leaving him with a slim chance of survival, as predicted by doctors. Fortunately, he overcame this "life-or-death" moment, but he now lives with only 61% of his full physical capacity, struggling with mobility challenges.

In 2008, he joined the Da Nang Youth Association for the Disabled and participated in skill training sessions for people with disabilities to integrate into the community. His first “economic activity” in 2009 involved working with other members of the Lien Chieu Disabled Association to generate income through an edible mushroom production model.

Due to difficult family circumstances, Mr. Quyen had to stay home and assist his family by working in his father’s motorcycle repair shop to help support his younger siblings' education. When his father passed away from cancer in 2019, the family’s situation worsened, and he had to single-handedly support his mother and university-going sibling with the repair shop as the sole source of income.

In this situation, he hired additional workers to increase the family income. His repair shop now employs two young men from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them vocational training and job opportunities, helping them to support their families out of poverty. Mr. Quyen also shared his plans to expand the shop and invest in larger premises to offer vocational training and employment for disabled youth at his own home.

Aside from repairing motorcycles, Pham Ba Quyen is actively involved in community activities. In 2018, he joined the local crime prevention team, working alongside the team to report and provide information on criminal activity.

In recognition of his contributions, the Chairman of the People’s Committee of Lien Chieu District awarded him a Certificate of Merit for his outstanding achievements in crime prevention and for helping maintain security and order in Lien Chieu. In 2019, he and his team collaborated with the Thua Thien Hue provincial crime prevention team, resulting in numerous achievements. For his contributions to joint security initiatives in the border areas between Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang, he received a Certificate of Merit from the Director of Thua Thien Hue Provincial Police.

In para-athletics, Mr. Quyen has earned a significant number of medals from 2010 to 2024. At national competitions for disabled athletes, he has won a total of 15 gold, 15 silver, and 3 bronze medals. From 2010 to 2013, the Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang awarded him Commendation Certificates for his outstanding achievements in athletics at the National Sports Competitions for the Disabled.

In 2014, he was recognised by the Chairman of Lien Chieu District’s People’s Committee for his excellent performance in athletics at the National Disabled Sports Competition held in Can Tho. Additionally, in 2022 and 2023, Pham Ba Quyen was awarded Certificates of Commendation by the Director of Da Nang’s Department of Culture and Sports for his achievements in training and competing in both city and national disabled sports events.

Through resilience and determination, unshaken by hardship and adversity, Pham Ba Quyen has achieved great success, exemplifying that disability is not a barrier but rather a driving force for greater heights.

Reporting by D. HUNG - Translating by TRUC VY