Climb to Change a Life was successfully held in Kunming, China on 17th November 2019.
Youth participants at Climb to Change a Life
On November 17, 2019, 98 Sparks, Van den Berg Roses & Jiachao Wang – 98 Sparks’ ambassador & para triathlon, organized and hosted the Climb to Change a Life in Kunming, China. Nearly 100 volunteers, parents & teachers came to assist 14 children & adults with movement disabilities to accomplish their climb to the top of the West Mountain in Kunming.
Imagine yourself as a child with movement disability and try to climb a mountain. It would be remarkably difficult, isn’t it? Probably you’d think: “This is near to impossible! How can I do it?” There are many people with limited mobility. In fact, two in every one-thousand births globally result in movement disabilities. With Climb to Change a Life, we make the impossible possible for children with movement disabilities in China by helping them to climb a mountain with their parents.
In Climb to Change a Life 2018, 98 Sparks & Jiachao Wang – our ambassador who is a para triathlon going to compete at Paralympic Tokyo 2020 – joined as participants at the Great Wall of China. In 2018, the event was organized in China by the ZY Movement Foundation. You can take a look at our experience last year here.
What’s new at Climb to Change a Life 2019?
This year, inspired by the meaningful initiative of the ZY Movement Foundation, 98 Sparks & Van den Berg Roses – a 98 Sparks’ portfolio company took the initiative to organize and sponsor the event. Moreover, Jiachao Wang became the host for the event. The event took place at West Mountain of Kunming – the birthplace of Jiachao, China on November 17.
All participants of Climb to Change a Life 2019
This is the second time this event was organized in China. This year, the event is much bigger thanks to the dedicated employees of Van den Berg. Climb to Change a Life 2019 was successfully held with nearly 100 volunteers assisted 17 participants with limited mobility, including 12 children, one adult and four para triathlons. The amazing volunteers were employees of Van den Berg, parents and teachers of differently-able children. The purpose of this initiative which first set up by the ZY Movement Foundation is to empower children with limited mobility across Asia.
98 Sparks & Van den Berg Roses want to help differently-able children build their self-esteem, discover their potential, and have a unique bonding time with families & the community. What makes this year Climb to Change a Life special is the event is not just about climbing. This year, the event was combined both empowering activities with art, and environmental initiatives.
Jiachao Wang & volunteer successfully made it to the top
Climbing combined with art & environmental initiatives
Jiachao Wang, our ambassador shared:”The event was successfully held and finished with happiness and big smiles on participants’ faces. First, all participants took a bus to the middle of the West Mountain. From there, we climbed to the top. At the day of the event, the weather was very good so we were encouraged by the supportive atmosphere & weather. “
Jiachao continued: “Not only we climbed to the spectacular top of the West Mountain, but also we cleaned up the area. We picked up trash and rubbish on our way to the top. We also had the honor to welcome Walter Lee – the founder of the ZY Movement Foundation to join us. He flew from Thailand to China just to show support to the event and help participants accomplish their climbing.”
About ZY Movement Foundation
When Walter Lee’s son, Zy, was nine years-old, he carried him on his back up to the peak of Kilimanjaro. This made him the first disabled child to do so. The fulfillment Zy had once reaching the top made Walter want to devote his time to empower other children with movement disabilities.
Walter Lee, a Thai entrepreneur, restaurateur, author, and social worker, then founded Zy Movement Foundation in 2010. His son, Zy, which the foundation was named after, was born in 2006 with a complete left arm, half a right arm, no right leg, a malformed left leg and dislocated hip joints. Walter Lee’s mission with Zy Movement Foundation is to raise awareness and support so that these children can achieve their dreams and overcome any physical or social barriers. In the future Walter Lee hopes to take the event to other countries around the world with diverse nature and mountainous regions.
Click here to know more about Walking without legs – Climb to change a life at TEDxTalks
Thank you for every one who helped us for making this event a success!
We look forward to seeing you in our next Climb to Change a Life event. Follow us on WeChat, Instagram, Twitter to catch up with our up-coming impact initiatives!
