One-legged China teen boy dreams of basketball glory, practising with a crutch made by dad

A one-legged teenage boy from a mountainous village in southwestern China has gone viral on social media for excelling at basketball using a wooden crutch handmade by his father.The story of the 13-year-old boy, nicknamed Apei, was first shared by an influencer under the handle @awenzaidajiating in late May, garnering one million likes.On June 5, the boy finally was able to wear an Artificial limb which was tailor-made in Shenzhen, also in southern China, and donated by the charity Shenzhen-project-care-foundation" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="144967" data-entity-type="organization">Shenzhen Project Care Foundation, according to the Shenzhen Press Group.Apei, above, weaves some magic on the basketball court using the crutch his father made. Photo: HandoutApei lives in a village in Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province, which is one of the most impoverished regions in China.At the age of four, when he went alone to look for his mother who was doing farm work on the mountain, a big rock slid down and crushed his right leg to the extent that it had to be amputated.Apei said at first no children liked to play with him for fear of pushing him and making him fall down.He then became interested in playing basketball. He moves freely with the wooden crutch made by his father which is bound to his trousers.A prosthetic limb expert measures up Apei for his artificial leg. Photo: Handout“I have been playing basketball for eight years. Except for doing homework and eating meals, I spend all my spare time playing basketball,” Apei was quoted as saying.He said his dream is to become a professional basketball player.“I hope to join the Paralympic Games and bring a gold medal back,” said Apei.In May, the blogger @awenzaidajiating took Apei from his hometown in rural Sichuan to Shenzhen to watch a Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) competition.Further ReadingThe boy was thrilled to meet his idol He Xining, a CBA star who serves as the captain of Shenzhen-team" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="144969" data-entity-type="organization">Shenzhen team.Apei holds his prized top as he meets his basketball idol He Xining, centre. Photo: HandoutHe not only signed on the jersey brought by Apei, but also added the words: “Come on Apei. Be your own MVP.”As the boy trended on social media in China, many Shenzhen residents left comments, including some suggestions that they should do something to help Apei.Shenzhen-project-care-foundation" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="144967" data-entity-type="organization">Shenzhen Project Care Foundation responded by contacting local companies to make an Artificial limb for Apei.While they were measuring Apei’s body to collect data for the making of the prosthetic leg, an employee from one of those companies was assigned to encourage the boy.Apei gets a kiss of encouragement as he works to get used to his new leg. Photo: HandoutThe employee walked no differently from other people, but it turned out that he was also wearing an Artificial limb.“After I wear the prosthetic leg, I will work hard to play basketball well and live well,” said the boy.The news has drawn a wave of warm wishes online.“Boy, you are awesome,” said one internet user.Another person said: “I am moved to tears. Hope Apei’s life will be better and better.”