[Photo of Zhang Shundong and Li Guoxiu/CCTV]
Kunming residents happily welcomed their "hero couple" back from Beijing's recent sporting events.
Zhang Shundong and Li Guoxiu were honored as inspirational role models at this year's Touching China awards along with nine other people. The awards were announced by China Central Television on March 3.
Zhang also took part in the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics Torch Relay.
Originally from Pingzi village in Kunming, the couple has shown great courage and strength as they’ve built a family and lifted themselves out of poverty.
Zhang, 48, was injured by a severe electric shock at the age of 6. His right arm was amputated and his feet so seriously damaged that he hobbled through most of his adult life until his lower legs were amputated.
His wife Li, 51, was born without arms into an impoverished family.
The couple overcame their physical difficulties, worked hard and eventually started a family of four.
In 2020, the couple were designated as national representatives for poverty alleviation and recognized as family role models for disabled people for their perseverance and positive attitude.
