Homing in on a brighter future

The 2023 PONY Asia-Pacific Zone Bronco League Championships' Under-12 tournament may not sound like a big deal, but for Shiyi Niubu and his teammates it probably felt like the World Series.

The 11-year-old was clearly proud as can be as he blasted home runs and ran the bases at the event in Alabang, south of the Filipino capital Manila, earlier this month.

Hailing from Southwest China's Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province, Shiyi Niubu yearns to leave his difficult life behind and make it big in the sport.

His team, Liangshan Power Angel, has impressed in recent years at domestic and overseas competitions. Encouraged by the guidance of a number of retired pros, some of the players are now even dreaming of baseball stardom.

Shiyi Niubu embarked on his baseball journey almost four years ago in Beijing with the help of a charity project which was founded in 2015.

"It is really fun to play baseball, and more importantly, it opens another door in my life, helping me believe that everything is bound to get better," he said.

Sun Lingfeng, a former captain of China's national baseball team, is a founder of the "Power Angel "project. Sun rates baseball as a highly inclusive sport, with its emphasis on teamwork making it ideal for children.

"Players in different positions can perform their respective roles and enjoy themselves according to their physical attributes and technical skills," he said.

Around 90 disadvantaged kids are enrolled at "Power Angel" training base, which effectively acts as their second home, enriching them both physically and emotionally.

As they run back to home plate to score, the joy on their faces is obvious for all to see.

Ma Hu, a teenager from Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region is the project's another success story. After almost six years of playing baseball in Beijing, Ma has developed a deep passion for the sport.

When offered the opportunity to lead Shiyi Niubu's team in a competition abroad, Ma could not contain his excitement.

"Since I'm now both a player and an assistant coach, I shoulder heavy responsibilities. I really hope they advance to the final and even win the championship," said Ma.

Six years ago, Ma starred in the documentary Tough Out, which explores the transformational effect baseball has had on his life.

"Baseball, my teammates, coaches and teachers at the training base have broadened my horizons and changed my life," he said.

Ma has now taken up acting and hopes to one day perform roles in a professional capacity.

"Just like a baseball game changes all the time on the field, I hope my life will be full of possibilities too," he said.

Xinhua