MIXED MEDIA

Soaring Souls is a photo/philanthropy project dedicated to celebrating athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities. By capturing behind-the-scenes training moments and the intense dedication of these athletes, I aimed to bridge the visibility gap between communities with and without disabilities. The project culminated in photography exhibitions held at The Hotchkiss School in Connecticut (April-May 2023) and The Peak Galleria in Hong Kong (July 2023), serving as both a fundraiser and an advocacy platform.

Athletes with disabilities frequently face systemic marginalization, characterized by unequal pay, limited media recognition, and a lack of community support. Society often views disability through a lens of stigma rather than capability.

When I was young, being enrolled in Paralympic medalist Yu Chui Yee's fencing academy fundamentally shifted my perspective on resilience. Through my role as Head of the Hotchkiss Special Olympics Club, I observed that while these athletes possess extraordinary drive, the general public rarely witnesses the grit behind their crowning glories. There was a clear need to humanize these athletes to foster genuine social inclusion.

• Design & Research: I began by conducting direct outreach, meeting with leaders from SOCT, SOHK, and the HKPC to understand their athletes' needs and the specific gaps in public perception
• Photography: I spent months embedding myself within these organizations, documenting training sessions and exhibition games (swimming relays to golf and gymnastics) to capture authentic narratives
• Iterations: The project evolved from a simple photo series into a comprehensive "photolanthropy" campaign. I organized exhibitions and designed a curated book that paired photography with organizational data and athlete stories to maximize educational impact

The final solution was a multi-channel advocacy campaign that successfully raised over $50K for SOCT, SOHK, and the HKPC while challenging viewers to look beyond differences and embrace individual gifts.

• Exhibitions: Two major, cross-continental photography exhibitions that brought the athletes' stories to public spaces
• Publication: A photo book serving as a tribute to donors, a permanent educational resource, and a behind-the-scenes document of the exhibition
• Digital Hub: The project's message of inclusion gained significant traction on public platforms
• Broadcast Media: Featured on television programs in Hong Kong
• Press & Interviews: Conducted multiple interviews with regional and international media outlets to share the stories behind the project and the impact of the exhibitions
• Public Speaking: Used these media appearances as a strategic tool to bridge the gap between community advocacy and the public's perception of disabled sports

Photography served as a powerful social tool throughout this process. It moved beyond simple documentation and inspired action by dismantling the stigma surrounding disability and replacing it with undeniable visibility. My hope is that this project continues to bridge the gap between awareness and advocacy, challenging viewers to embrace individual gifts and demand greater systemic support and inclusion.