Sixty-year-old Xiong Wensheng from Yantian District has won the gold medal in men’s singles darts at the recently concluded 9th National Special Olympic Games. “What others can do, we can too,” Xiong often says.

A car accident in 1992 resulted in the amputation of his left leg, sending his life into uncharted waters. “I was very depressed, but life must go on,” he recalled.

Later, while undergoing rehabilitation at the Yantian’s Disabled Persons Service Center in 2016, he learned to play darts. The sport helped him focus on the present and find enjoyment, and he soon displayed a natural talent for it. In 2018, Xiong won his first championship at a provincial-level darts event.

Xiong Wensheng displays his gold medal.

Xiong became so fascinated by the sport that he would sometimes practice late into the night. In 2023 and 2024, he secured gold medals at the Guangdong provincial championships.

The veteran athlete said he could not have won the Special Olympics championship without support from the Yantian government. “The district quickly assembled a darts team, purchased necessary equipment, and helped address challenges we faced in daily life. It has been a great joy to live in Yantian.”

Xiong noted that, given his age, this might be his last time participating in the national games, and he hopes more young people will join the darts team. “Modern darts is safe and convenient to play — it’s both competitive and fun. Through this game, we can connect with players from across China and even around the world. The sport can also help persons with disabilities engage with others, get exercise, and regain confidence,” he said.

An official with the Yantian Disabled Persons Federation said that the significance of Xiong’s victory reaches far beyond the gold medal. “He is a living role model for persons with disabilities, encouraging them to step out of their homes, undergo rehabilitation, and integrate into society.”

Xiong Wensheng during a practice session.

In recent years, Yantian has established sports teams for persons with disabilities in darts, archery, and floor curling. The district has invested about 580,000 yuan (US$82,900) in disabled sports, hiring coaches and arranging regular training. Yantian has also purchased insurance, provided transportation and other logistical services, and offered psychological counseling for the athletes.

The district Disabled Persons Federation is exploring ways to optimize facilities and enhance the sporting experience for persons with disabilities through high-tech solutions, aiming to help more people enjoy the benefits of exercise.