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Ho Yuen-kei
Paralympian
Paralympic boccia champion Ho Yuen-kei is also an effective advocate for accessibility
Ho Yuen-kei is one of Hong Kong’s most accomplished boccia players, claiming two gold medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics—one in the Women’s Individual BC3 category and another in the Mixed Pairs BC3 event alongside her partner, King Tse Tak-wah. These victories cemented her status as a world-class athlete and showcased her technical precision and strategic mastery in a highly competitive field.
She began her career with a gold medal at the 2009 Asian Youth Para Games, setting a strong foundation for future successes. In 2019, she clinched two gold medals at the BISFed Asia-Oceania Regional Championships in both the BC3 Individual and BC3 Pairs events. Her consistent excellence led to her ranking first in the Individual World Ranking List in 2022. Additionally, Ho represented Hong Kong at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, where she achieved a commendable fifth-place finish in the BC3 category, marking her as the first Hong Kong athlete to compete in this classification.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Ho is a trailblazer in promoting accessibility and social inclusion. She has created a blog and YouTube channel dedicated to reviewing wheelchair-friendly restaurants, empowering others with mobility challenges to explore the city more freely. She is also establishing an NGO aimed at fostering inclusivity by organising events that bring together people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and the elderly.
Born with Type 2 spinal muscular atrophy, she faced frequent hospitalisations and physical limitations, including weaker lung function and diminished muscle tone. Despite these obstacles, Ho discovered boccia in 2008 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a core member of Hong Kong’s national team.
As a full-time athlete, Ho continues to compete at the highest levels while broadening her advocacy efforts. Her dual role as a champion and community leader not only elevates boccia’s profile but also challenges societal perceptions of disability, inspiring individuals worldwide to pursue their ambitions.
“This sport taught me to persist in what I love. It’s only then that you can see how far you can go.”
Impacted Industries
Sports
Did You Know?
After graduating in 2018 with a degree in Chinese studies, sociology and marketing, Ho Yuen-kei considered giving up boccia, because “Sports didn’t seem like a sustainable career.” However, with the support of her family, she decided to pursue her dream of winning at the Paralympics.
Credits
