A KENILWORTH wheelchair racer is appealing for funds towards a new racing wheelchair, as he steps up his goal of appearing for Team GB at a future Paralympics.
Zien Zhou, a member of the Fitness Worx gym in Kenilworth, was born with cerebral palsy – a neurological condition impairing muscle motion.
Having had to use a wheelchair since birth, the 17-year old began racing in 2015, after being inspired by the exploits of Team GB at the IPC World Championships in Doha.
It offered Zien an opportunity to turn his disability into a way of pursuing his goals and leading an active lifestyle – a decision he claims is one of the best that he has made.
He is currently a T34 wheelchair racer partaking in major competitions in the UK and abroad, representing Great Britain.
In his career to date, Zhou has already achieved first-placed rankings in the All England Senior Athletics Championships, in the 100m and 800m events at the School Games in 2018, and in the London Mini-Marathon in 2016 and 2018, whilst achieving third place at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland in 2017.
The London Mini-Marathon will be the last he can partake in before turning 18, and he hopes to defend that particular title in April.
With his season starting on Sunday in the Coventry Half Marathon, Zien is coping with his current racing wheelchair, but requires a new wheelchair to be constructed, having outgrown his original one.
He asks for the support of kind donators and sponsors to help contribute towards his £5,000 target to invest in building a new wheelchair that will allow the racer to pursue his ambitions.
Aside from racing, Zien is a proud ambassador and beneficiary of SportAid, whilst he forms part of the Paralympic Development Academy.
Donations can be given towards Zien’s fund by clicking HERE or the following link:
