Xiaode Keeps Running and Running

Monday, September 29, 2014

Running marathons was never meant for children like Xiaode, 12.

As an infant, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which impeded basic motor functions. Even walking was difficult for him. When he was barely one-year-old, he was sent to an orphanage in Wuqing district of Tianjin. Though denied paternal love, he received care and rehabilitation through World Vision’s Wuqing Children’s Rehabilitation Centre.

In 2012, when Wuqing District of Tianjin held its first-ever international marathon, Xiaode, then at 10 years of age, was encouraged by World Vision staff to participate among several other children. Staff had recognised that children with disabilities have already demonstrated tremendous courage and this event would be a great opportunity for both the children and the community to know each other better.

In the end, seven children from the centre participated in the 5-kilometre mini marathon, including Xiaode.

“I will run in the marathon,” Xiaode told everyone after learning that he would participate. He was usually a quiet boy, but this news made him really excited.

At that time, Xiaode was already building strength through walking and climbing stairs. His teachers added more sessions to enhance his physical ability for the marathon, including jumping, push-ups, and sit-ups.

On race day, wearing sneakers bought for this event, Xiaode said “I can run really fast with these.”

All of the children finished the five-kilometer race, but it wasn’t easy.

When Xiaode reached 1.5 kilometers, he was on the verge of giving up. On the marathon route, Xiaode looked up at the burning sun, then other runners who were passing by really fast.

Then he heard a voice from within asking, “Will you finish? Or will you go back?”

At that point, Xiaode was reminded of his eight-year-long training and his dream of running. He chose to press on.

“I will finish the whole journey!” Xiaode told himself. Firmly holding his teacher’s hands, he knew that perseverance was the only option. Yes, he was born with disability, he cannot walk steadily, but he was running in a competition, where those thoughts of giving up must be put aside.

On race day, wearing sneakers bought for this event, Xiaode said “I can run really fast with these.”


Together with his teacher, they reached the finish line and his joy was beyond description.

“The most memorable thing for me was the cheering along the way. Everybody was supporting me and encouraging me to run!” Xiaode recalled. “It was tough, but it was worth the effort.”

After the marathon, Xiaode’s confidence soared. Several months later, his teacher found that his steps were wider and steadier than before. Sometimes, he even ran in strides.

Last year, when Xiaode was a second-year runner in the marathon, he finished the whole journey within one hour without help from his teacher. Today he is a confident boy with a beaming personality; a far cry from the quiet, shy child he once was.

And you can be sure Xiaode will be ready for the next race this October.



Tianjin Wuqing Children’s Rehabilitation Center is a development program by World Vision. Working with Civil Affairs Bureau of Wuqing since 2003, the center planned and carried out various rehabilitation services, benefiting 115 children with special needs. At the same time, the center is also open to children not living there, providing assistance to the entire community.

World Vision believes that physical development and spiritual development are of equal importance for children. By encouraging them to step out of the comfort zone, they will shake off mental shackles imposed by their physical disabilities, ready to reintegrate into the community with courage.