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This is the next in the series of ongoing profiles of CNVLD Athletes with a Disability, the core of the organisation's success. Now the spotlight falls on Lay Learng: A Life Changed through the Power of Sport.
Lay Learng, 39, is one of the greatest success stories for the CNVLD and his participation in the ANZR-CNVLD Wheelie Grand Prix has been a pivotal point in his life. From being close to desperation before joining one of the wheelchair racing teams in 2006, Learng is now one of the fastest wheelchair athletes in Cambodia and has gained employment as result of the structure and discipline he has learnt through the sport.
Originally from Prek Tameak Village, Prek Tameak Commune, Ksach Kandal District in Kandal Province south of Phnom Penh, Learng joined the army when he was 23. As with many soldiers from the Phnom Penh area, he was sent to the Cambodia's North-West to fight against the Khmer Rouge who remained entrenched in the dense jungle close to the Thai border during the 1980s and 1990s.
In an attempt to block the Khmer Rouge from launching dry seasons offensives south from their jungle redoubts during the 1980s, the Vietnamese forces in Cambodia, in cooperation with the State of Cambodia, laid K5, the largest minefield in Cambodia. Stretching 700km long and 400-500m wide along the Thai-Cambodia border, its construction took such heavy tolls from malaria and mine related accidents that it threatened to undermine public support for the Phnom Penh government. Since then K5 has claimed more lives than any other minefield in Cambodia and remnants of it continue to cause more than half of all casualties today.
It was in this area, in Samlot District, Battambang Province, that Learng lost his right leg to a mine in 1988. "I was very sad when I got my injury but I felt better after I saw how many people got disabilities the same as me"
As with many landmine survivors, Learng gravitated to the Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, on the outskirts of which he still lives today in a small shanty hut. Learng's life had been made all the harder because "I am a widower and I have two daughters and a son who live with me".
Battling against alcoholism and poor health stemming from almost 20 years of inactivity as an amputee, Learng saw the wheelchair racing teams going past his house every morning. He joined a team in 2006 because "I wanted to get healthy and I saw the athletes were happy when they were training so I thought it would make me as happy as them"
The strict discipline instilled in all CNVLD sports teams was hard for Learng at first. The 14 ANZR-CNVLD wheelchair racing athletes based at Kien Khleang train between 4am and 6am four times a week covering 21km every day. However, he soon became a valued member of the team and now his sport is important to him because "I get healthy and I'm providing a small subsidy for helping my family".
A quick wit, dark humour and great strength have helped Learng make many new friends and gain the respect of his fellow athletes. Learng has now competed in many CNVLD racing wheelchair competitions and is now close to breaking into the top five fastest athletes.
As he gained confidence, the CNVLD offered Learng the position of Groundsman at Kien Khleang where the CNVLD has a MoU with the Cambodian Government to renovate the exterior areas. His first position of employment and responsibility for many years, Learng quickly took to the job and is now proud of the flower beds, lawns and sports court he looks after every day after training. Together with his monthly wheelchair training subsidy and groundsman salary, Learng has rediscovered his dignity and self confidence through a degree of economic independence and stability.
From feeling like an outcast and worrying about his future, Learng's ambition is now "to tell other disabled people they can be strong".
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