Wheelchair-bound boy finds passion in English

For Gong Cheng, speaking English is not only a hobby, but a bridge that connects him with a larger world.

Gong is a second-grader at Taoxingzhi Primary School in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. The wheelchair-bound boy won first prize in the grades one through three group in the Jiangsu province division final for this year’s 21st Century National English Speaking Competition.

When Gong was 17 months old, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and faced a slim chance of surviving surgical treatment. But Gong’s mother did not give up, and the boy survived the surgery.

Afterward, the boy was deprived of most of his mobility. When he was admitted to primary school, he spent two months learning how to write his name. Despite physical handicaps, he did his best to make the most of life.

When the boy sought medical consultation from foreign experts in Shanghai, his mother was unable to communicate with the doctors because of her poor English. That's when Gong made up his mind to study English well and communicate better with the foreign doctors.

Gong said participating in the 21st Century Competition is an eye-opening experience for him, as he has made acquaintance with many English enthusiasts.

"There are so many excellent English speakers! I will improve my English and come back to attend the competition in the future," the boy said.

Gong is a lively, optimistic boy. Besides English speaking, he also loves writing calligraphy and playing Go.