When Wang Jiapeng stood on stage last week in Beijing for the "Hold Up the Blue Sky of Life" TV serial premiere, speaking fluent English to the Norway ambassador and smiling brilliantly to the audience, no one could believe he lived through huge injuries sustained in an air crash 10 years ago.

"It is my mother who has given me great support," a fully recovered Wang says.

Wang still remembers July 23 that year when he and his father went on a trip to Beijing from Yinchuan, in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in Northwest China. A few minutes after takeoff, the plane crashed into a swamp, killing 90 people.

Wang was 12 years old and survived together with his father and 38 others. However, his legs were fractured and he sustained brain damage.

"I was astounded by the heart-breaking news," recalled Shen Liping, his mother. "But I soon felt joy after I heard my son and husband were alive. I knew I must try with all of my might to support them."

Shen's husband recovered soon after the accident but has since been kept very busy with work. To give Wang the best possible chance for recovery, Shen sent him to the Beijing Rehabilitation Centre.

She performed all-day therapeutic massages on her son and searched for possible treatment around the city and beyond.

To pay for the expensive medical fees, Shen - a painter - had to work hard. After tending to her son during the day, she stayed up until midnight to paint.

Instead of despair, Wang always smiled for his mother, doctors and other patients. "I believe through smiling I have the power to encourage myself and the world," Wang said.

With his optimism, he overcame physical pain and managed to walk again with the aid of crutches.

Wang taught himself all of the middle school courses, especially English and computer sciences. Later, he passed the English Band-Four Examination and even programmed a few computer applications.

After five years at the rehabilitation centre, Wang seized an opportunity to pursue studies at the Red Cross United World College in Norway following a strict examination.

He was the first Chinese student to study there and received a two-year scholarship.

Wang graduated from the college with a good academic record and won two gold medals for skiing at the 36th Ridderennet International Disabled Peoples Competition in Norway.

He was invited to the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize awards ceremony and was interviewed by Queen Sonja of Norway. Wang is now studying at the University of Oslo for a major in economics.

He is a passionate disseminator of Chinese traditional culture and held a Chinese culture course at the college to introduce it to students from 86 nations. An aid campaign for the world's disabled is another important part of Wang's life.

He launched the campaign "Running for Life" and created a network for disabled people from all countries, earning a reputation as the Chinese hero with a kind heart and noble qualities.

During that period, Wang also won great respect with his autobiography, "Hold Up the Blue Sky of Life."

Meanwhile, Shen was also recognized as "One of 10 Outstanding Mothers in China" in 2001 by the National Federation for Women.

Wang's story has been turned into a 20-part TV serial by China Central Television, which will be shown on CCTV-8 starting today. Many scenes were shot in Norway featuring Queen Sonja and Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik.

Thomas S, the renowned Norwegian musician and an intimate friend of Wang, created the theme song "Angel of Life" for the series.

(China Daily 08/27/2003 page9)