Being disabled has not stopped Yao Wen from chasing glory

PETALING JAYA: Leong Yao Wen is bedridden and can only rely on his family members to bring him around.

His physical limitations, however, have not stopped Yao Wen from chasing after sporting excellence.

The 24-year-old stole the show in the Para Sukma (Malaysia Games) chess competition when he helped Selangor win the men’s team rapid chess event at Wyndham Acmar Klang Hotel yesterday.

Selangor team won on count-back at the end of the six-round competition.

Penang settled for silver while Perak got the bronze.

Yao Wen also got a silver in the men’s individual rapid chess final after losing to Penang’s Tan Yin Kuang.

For Yao Wen, who learnt to play chess from watching videos on You Tube, just turning up for the competition everyday was already a big challenge in itself.

He suffers from spinal muscular atrophy and needs help to turn his head and move his limbs.

Yao Wen needs the help of his sister to move the chess pieces around as he instructs.

“I was still able to play computer games when I was much smaller but my condition worsened when I was 17.

“I started out playing Chinese chess and later took a liking to chess.

“I love challenging the different strategies at play.

“It is tough to play in Sukma as I stayed mostly at home and lacked a partner to practise regularly.

“I can only train with others if my family members are free to bring me. I did not expect to win this and I hope to be given a chance to compete in the 2027 Para SEA Games after this,” said Yao Wen.