Veth Chanta is a double gold medallist who overcame personal tragedy to rise as a national hero. Supplied
In a world often focused on the extraordinary feats of household names, a new exhibition titled Beyond the Finish Line: Stories of Para Athletics Heroes sheds light on the inspiring journeys behind the successes of the Kingdom’s Paralympic athletes.
The exhibition, organized by Hearts of Gold, aims to celebrate the determination, resilience and achievements of these remarkable individuals, while promoting inclusivity and societal awareness.
“This project captures and shares the powerful stories of Paralympic athletes through photography and videography,” said Yoneyama Haruka, project director at Hearts of Gold.
“By showcasing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, we hope to inspire audiences, both with and without disabilities, to overcome obstacles and dream big,” she added.
People can visit Beyond the Finish Line: Stories of Para Athletics Heroes from January 20 to February 15 at Workspace by Factory Phnom Penh. Supplied
The exhibition features photo essays, documentaries and interviews, highlighting the lives of eight para-athletes selected from Cambodia’s Para-Athletics community.
One standout story is that of Veth Chanta, a double gold medallist who overcame personal tragedy to rise as a national hero.
Born into poverty in the aftermath of civil war, Chanta faced a life-altering accident at just 13 years old when she lost her leg in a brick-making machine.
Despite immense challenges, including societal discrimination and personal despair, she found new purpose through sports.
“When I started para-athletics, it changed my life,” Chanta shared during the exhibition’s opening event.
“I met people who understood me, and through hard work, I began winning medals for my country. Seeing the Cambodian flag rise because of my achievements is something I’ll always treasure,” she said.
Yi Veasna, Secretary General of the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia, admires the exhibition. Supplied
Her journey is emblematic of the exhibition’s core message: success goes beyond the finish line of competition. It encompasses personal growth, societal impact and the power of resilience.
The exhibition represents a collaborative effort, with contributors from Japan, Cambodia, Ghana and Taiwan.
The Japanese nonprofit organization Hearts of Gold partnered with the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia, Ghanaian photographer Oduro Kofi, and Taiwanese Cloud Photo Studio to bring the stories of these athletes to life.
“This is more than an exhibition. It’s a movement to raise public awareness about the lives and achievements of para-athletes and to promote inclusivity and diversity on a global scale,” Haruka explained.
“It’s about showing the world that individuals with disabilities have limitless potential,” she told The Post.
The theme of the exhibition, “Beyond the Finish Line,” symbolises the athletes’ journeys beyond their sporting achievements.
Cambodian athletes take in the exhibition. Supplied
It highlights their personal growth, their influence as role models and their contributions to societal change.
Through their stories, the exhibition seeks to challenge stereotypes and inspire individuals to build a more inclusive society.
“We want audiences to reflect on what an inclusive society truly means and to take action within their own communities,” Haruka said.
“The exhibition demonstrates that inclusivity is not just a concept; it’s a way of life that empowers everyone, regardless of ability,” she added.
The Japan Foundation’s Small Grant Program played a key role in making the exhibition a reality.
The grant provided essential funding for production costs, transportation and materials. This support allowed Hearts of Gold to deliver a professional and impactful showcase.
The exhibition aims to resonate with a wide audience, including individuals with disabilities, sports enthusiasts, educators and the general public.
For people with disabilities, the stories of Paralympic athletes offer hope and encouragement. For sports fans, they highlight the dedication and achievements of athletes who often go unrecognised.
Educators and advocates can use the exhibition to spark conversations about diversity and equality.
Workspace by Factory Phnom Penh is proud to be exhibiting Beyond the Finish Line: Stories of Para Athletics Heroe’. Supplied
“This is an opportunity for people to connect with universal themes of perseverance and triumph,” Haruka emphasised.
“We want everyone to leave the exhibition feeling inspired to contribute to a world that values and celebrates diversity,” she continued.
The stories featured in Beyond the Finish Line are not just about sports. They’re about life, and the enduring human spirit.
As Haruka aptly put it, “Para-athletes are not defined by their disabilities but by their courage and determination to break barriers. Their stories teach us that success is not confined to a finish line but found in every step of the journey.”
At its core, Beyond the Finish Line is more than an exhibition. It is a call to action.
As the exhibition continues to captivate audiences, it leaves behind a powerful legacy of hope, courage, and unity.
The exhibition runs from January 20 to February 15 at Workspace by Factory Phnom Penh, offering a chance to witness the extraordinary stories of para-athletes who continue to inspire the world—on and off the track.
