Joshua Lau, a figure skater from Special Olympics Hong Kong, gracefully glides across the ice. His movements are natural, precise, and fluid—each glide of his skates is a quiet testament to years of dedication and perseverance. Watching Joshua today, it’s hard to imagine that as a child, he struggled with balance. It was this very challenge that led his parents to enroll him in roller skating, hoping it would help him.
It wasn’t until Joshua was around two that his parents noticed he was developing differently from his peers. He wasn’t processing information the same way, struggled to walk, and missed key developmental milestones. After seeking answers, they learned that Joshua had autism. The diagnosis was very difficult for Joshua’s parents. But over time, their mindset changed and they realized all the gifts Joshua has to share with the world.
Joshua quickly excelled in roller skating. Encouraged by his progress, his parents introduced him to ice skating when he was six. His ice skating journey led them to discover Special Olympics, where Joshua found not only a place to compete but a community that celebrated his abilities. It was there that his skating skills flourished, through his own determination and the encouragement of his coaches and parents.
But Joshua’s talents stretch far beyond the rink. Off the ice, he finds balance through creativity. He is an accomplished painter and a dedicated pianist, expressing himself through colors and melodies as gracefully as he does through his skating. Joshua’s parents saw his many talents and while balance of body was important, so was balance of mind, confidence and other skills.
Some of Joshua’s balance comes from the unwavering support of his parents. As Joshua prepared for his first World Games in Turin, his father wanted to ensure Joshua felt his support throughout his journey. He hand-made two belts for Joshua to wear during his performances—a tangible reminder that his father's strength and belief were always wrapped around him.
“We hope for a balanced life for Joshua—in mind, body, and confidence,” his father shared. “We want him to know that no matter where he goes, he carries our love and support with him.”
As Joshua took to the ice, the belts were more than just part of his costume. They were symbols of balance and support which brought him here. And with every graceful movement, Joshua wasn’t just skating for medals, he was skating for the balance he had found—and the dreams that lay ahead.
