Tam Chik-sum, a silver medallist among wheelchair fencers at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, had not thought of giving up himself because of his physical disability. On the contrary, he deeply loves life and does not fear of any difficulties.

Mr Tam joined the civil service in August last year and was attached to New Territories South (NTS) Regional Police Headquarters as a Clerical Assistant. At the age of 18, he got an acute disease, which caused him paralysed from the waist down. He, however, did not have much negative emotion about this sudden blow, and faced his illness with positive attitude.

Achieving fruitful results in fencing

As Mr Tam was staying in hospital, another patient recommended him to take part in sports activities held by the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled. Owing to his good fencing performance, he was invited to join the Hong Kong wheelchair fencing team and got to know his senior teammate, Ms Chan Yui-chong, who later became his wife.

He remarked, "A wheelchair fencer cannot apply footwork, so I count solely on the techniques for the loin and hand movements to strike and defense." Hence, he spared no effort to strengthen his physical strength, and at the same time keep up with his school studies. With perseverance, he achieved fruitful results in fencing.

Mr Tam made his Paralympics debut at the London 2012 Paralympics, and had much joy in winning a silver medal in the men's épée competition in fencing. He thanked his wife for her support, which helped him to develop a never-give-up character. In September this year, Mr Tam participated in the Rio Paralympics. Though his team lost the bronze medal in the men's wheelchair épée match by only one score and was ranked the fourth in the competition, he said he was happy to see an enhancement in the capability of other wheelchair fencers.

Devoted to his work in Force

At his office, Mr Tam is devoted to his clerical work. His supervisors at NTS Regional Police Headquarters praised him for working with enthusiasm and dealing with people sincerely. He responded humbly and said both the working environment and colleagues' assistance made him adapt to and pitch in with his work quickly.

Mr Tam has to attend to both his work and fencing training. Feeling exhausted at times, he would pick himself up again and forge ahead courageously on the road of life. Disabled but in want of nothing, this is Mr Tam's attitude!