Lost Both Arms in Youth,
But Began a Second Life as a Billiards Player with a Disability
On June 19, Ecopro announced that Lee Kangu, a member of the Ecopro Onnuri Sports Team, recently won a gold medal at the Chungbuk Provincial Sports Festival for the Disabled.
Lee Kangu, a player belonging to the Ecopro Onnuri Sports Team, training at a billiard hall. Photo by Ecopro
Lee, who is originally from Jeungpyeong, Chungbuk, lost both arms in 1991 at the age of 22 while serving in the military. During a civil support operation, his gloved arm was caught in a machine. He was immediately transported to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital for emergency treatment, but after spending eight months in the hospital, he was honorably discharged in February 1992 due to his injuries.
After the accident, Lee endured a long and difficult period. However, when he visited a billiard hall run by a friend, he picked up a cue stick, which marked the beginning of his second life.
He developed his own unique method by hooking the cue stick onto his prosthetic right arm (fitted with a hook) and supporting it with his left foot placed on the billiard table. Although he sometimes had to stop matches due to leg cramps, Lee improved his skills through consistent practice and effort, such as stretching his legs every day.
Currently, Lee has been active as a billiards player with a disability for nearly 15 years and is regarded as having even greater skills than before his accident. He won the national championship at the National Sports Festival for the Disabled in 2011, was the runner-up in 2012, and won a gold medal at the Chungbuk Provincial Sports Festival for the Disabled in April this year.
Lee said, "After the accident, I worried a lot about what I would do for the rest of my life, but I found the answer through billiards and started a new chapter. Everyone faces difficulties in their own way, but I believe that what is most needed at such times is not a grand goal, but hope that tomorrow will be better than today."
Lee also shared that he felt a greater sense of belonging and stability after joining the Onnuri Sports Team, Ecopro's sports team for people with disabilities, in 2021.
The Ecopro Onnuri Sports Team was founded in February 2019 as the first sports team for people with disabilities in Chungbuk, starting with 23 athletes across six sports. Ecopro planned the establishment of the Onnuri Sports Team in line with the philosophy of founder Lee Dongchae, who aimed to create a disability-friendly culture and contribute to job creation for people with disabilities in the local community. Ecopro provides the athletes with the same welfare benefits as its employees, and supports salaries, training expenses, and encouragement bonuses.
Currently, the Ecopro Onnuri Sports Team consists of 56 athletes, including Lee, who are active in 12 sports such as billiards, badminton, bowling, shooting, and swimming.
An Ecopro representative stated, "The way athletes with disabilities continue to challenge themselves without giving up despite their limitations and difficulties serves as a great inspiration to all Ecopro employees. Ecopro will continue to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities and strive to share social value."
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