Born with cerebral palsy, national boccia athlete Chew Wei Lun, from Johor Bahru, is on wheelchair since young.

He is weak and slow compared to other people. He takes a longer time to put on his clothes and a lot of effort to button his shirt.

Sent to live in a disabled home at the age of nine, Chew, now 26, has learned how to take care of himself.

“I can’t expect others to help me all the time. I grew up finding ways how to live,’’ he said.

Chew moved to Kuala Lumpur at the age of 19 and learned computer skills in a school for people with special needs.

He found a job in information technology sector and lived with friends in Seri Kembangan.

Chew was introduced to boccia and this was his first time engaging in sports.

Boccia is a sport which offers the disabled a good training for their mind, vision and motor skills.

Chew has made many new friends after involving himself in boccia.

He was recruited to the national squad after taking part in national sport event and started the life of working and training.

“I work from Monday to Friday and attend training on Saturday. I have never skipped work or training,’’ he said.

Chew applied for unpaid leave to be a full-time athlete in 2019 to prepare for the Paralympics, and won a silver medal on his debut in Tokyo.

A quiet and calm person, he is known as a silent killer among the teammates.

His victory has made Malaysians pay more attention to boccia. Many are looking forward to see him participating in 2024 Paralympics in Paris and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

Chew, who used to be alone, was accompanied by his coach Aiman Hafizi Abu Bakar whenever he was competing overseas.

Aiman Hafizi would be the one taking care of him as they have become close friends since they first knew each other through boccia in 2017.

Chew attributed his victory to Aiman Hafizi and some close friends.

“Be it a small issue or a big challenge, one should overcome the obstacles. To me, life is never easy. It’s a matter of how you want it to be.

“One should be adventurous. Do it with no hesitation. Then you’ll live without a baggage,’’ he said.