06 July 2015 | in Universiade 2015, Summer FISU World University Games, Volleyball
GWANGJU - Youth, strength and health belong to the main aspects that describes the athletes on the 28th Summer Universiade in Gwangju. However, there is an athlete on the Chinese Taipei volleyball team, who is facing a big challenge. This young girl named Wang Xinting is suffering from multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory disease in which the insulating covets of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms.
Wang Xinting has decided not to let her disability take over and stop her of doing what she loves. And there she is – fighting for her country on the Gwangju’s courts. “I am extremely happy to have the chance to be here and to represent Chinese Taipei,” says Wang, who is grappling with one of the most common symptoms, a shadow spreading across the vision. “My disease is affecting my everyday life and also my sports career, but I am here to show my confidence on the court and to try as hard as I can.”
She seems to be extremely positive as she and her team have just won the match against Switzerland and moved one step closer to the podium. “To all the people also suffering from the multiple sclerosis, I would like to say: stay optimistic, do what you like and just be happy.”
Lucie Hrdličková (CZE), FISU Young Reporter
Check ou the interview here.