Taipei, May 24 (CNA) ROC President Chen Shui-bian received 12 physically-challenged and otherwise special individuals who were awarded medals for their zest for life by a local private foundation Friday.
He admired the 12 winners chosen from 1,563 applicants from around the world, saying their struggle for life has inspired numerous others to overcome their own obstacles.
A 104-year-old female winner, Hsu Che, performed yoga in front of the president, and another winner from the United States, who suffers from multiplesclerosis, played the harmonica for the president.
The medals were awarded by the private Chou Ta-kuan Foundation set up in honor of a local child of the same name who died of cancer at the age of nine.