This summer, something extraordinary happened. A group of children who have lived through some of life’s hardest challenges stepped onto an obstacle course challenge. Determined and filled with excitement, they proved to themselves and to the rest of the world that they are stronger than anyone could have imagined!
Many of the children in our care have come to us not only with physical weakness, but also emotional scars and self-doubt. To tackle these challenges, we introduced physical training as a way for the children to push beyond their limits.
Through strength-building activities and obstacle courses, we worked to support them unlocking their potential and nurture qualities like courage and perseverance. We believe that they can regain their confidence through continued effort and determination, that they can become better equipped to face difficulties and challenges—and ultimately, become a better version of themselves.
We began training the children for a Spartan race. At first, even simple drills, like running a short distance or climbing a rope, felt impossible. But nobody gave in. Week after week, training became more than exercise, but a lesson of perseverance, resilience, and self-belief.
Summer holiday came and the race was finally organized. That morning, the children stood at the starting line, feeling nervous and excited. Among them was X, a quiet 11-year-old who has a limp because he was born with cerebral palsy. He had never missed a training, even though he was given a free pass due to his physical condition. He was determined to complete the course, one step at a time. Seeing him get through to the finish line was one of the most powerful moments of the day.
One of the highlights of the day was the special Parent-Child Spartan Fun Race. Some of our young children and their group home parents joined the day for a shorter course. Together, they ran, climbed, and crawled together.
For some of the young ones, this was the first time that they experienced the thrill of competing with a trusted mom or dad right next to them, cheering them on, running with them hand in hand, or comforting them when they fall.
One day, little F became upset in the middle of the training because she could “not run as fast as big brothers and sisters”. Her group home mom was right there to give her a shoulder to cry on, and to ensure her that she can “run just as fast when she grows up”! Today, 4-year-old F confidently and cheerfully crossed the finish line with her mom right by her side. What we see in this group is that strength grows not from within, but from the bonds that we share with people who believe in us.
We hope that through participating in the race, the children learn that the past does not define their future, and strength is not about never failing, but about rising again, sometimes with the help of their friends and family.
We are very proud of the children who persevere, the group home parents and our staff members who are always there for them. We are also deeply grateful to the volunteers and donors who made this event possible. Together, we are building stronger bodies, more resilient minds and brighter futures.
