Taipei, Aug. 25 (CNA) With the help of physical therapists and family members, about 100 patients with rare disorders enjoyed some fun taking part in a sports meet in Taipei Saturday afternoon.
The sports meet, which was organized by the Taiwan Foundation for Rare Disorders (TFRD) as the first ever sporting event in Taiwan for patients with rare disorders, gathered 89 patients of all ages suffering from various disorders.
The participants were divided into four groups and competed in various events, including batting, basketball shooting and soccer ball kicking competitions as well as foot races, during the three-hour meet.
Organizers of the event said that most of the participants have one of three disorders, namely Prader-Willi Syndrome, a complex genetic disorder that typically causes cognitive disabilities and obesity; Anchondroplasia, a genetic disorder that is a common cause of dwarfism; or Tuberous Sclerosis, which causes benign tumors to grow in the brain and on other organs.
One of the participants, named Wu Chih-kang, 26, has been suffering from Wilson's Disease since his junior year at National Cheng Kung University. Wu, a basketball fanatic who said he could dunk a basketball when he was younger, has been recovering well after more than six years of rehabilitation.
Wilson's Disease is one of more than 130 rare disorders which have been found in Taiwan, according to a TFRD news release.
"Most people think that it's better for patients with rare disorders to stay indoors and rest as much as possible. In fact, appropriate exercise is good for them, " said Chien Wen-jen, president of the National Federation of Association of Physical Therapists (NFAPT).
"Without a doubt, patients with rare disorders need professional medical care at all times. However, the physiological and mental development aspect has often been neglected. This event aims to remind the patients and their families of just that, " said TFRD chief executive officer Yang Yung-hsiang.
NFAPT and sporting goods giant adidas Taiwan co-sponsored the event. Singer Tank and local professional basketball players Lee Hsueh-lin, Chang Chi-fung, Chien Chia-hung and Chen Tzu-wei also took part in the charity event.