Team player raring to go
Thirteen-year-old Torrey Ryan and his father, Jeff, have snared the sporting trip of a lifetime after winning the South China Morning Post's World Cup competition.
The pair will travel to Hamburg for a quarter-final on June 30, courtesy of adidas.
Mr Ryan clinched the prize - which includes return flights and accommodation - after answering quiz questions and saying he would take soccer-mad Torrey to the Cup.
The youngster, who has cerebral palsy, used a walking frame when he first started playing soccer at the age of five. When he was seven, he had an operation on his back and playing soccer with other disabled children at the Hong Kong Football Club improved his balance to such an extent, he no longer needed the frame.
'He has gained confidence through playing football, because he can now balance himself, which is something he has worked on,' said Mr Ryan, a father of four. 'He has also developed teamwork and co-ordination with other players.'
Torrey, a keen Arsenal fan and a student from South Island School in Aberdeen, plays twice a week. 'I love soccer because of my father,' he said.
Kevin Browne, who coaches the children, started the programme for disabled children six years ago.
'I have a son of 17 who has Down's syndrome,' said Mr Browne, who is also a magistrate. 'He needs to play so I decided to run a soccer team here for disabled children.'
Mr Browne said the children loved the game and enjoyed playing with their friends.
'The kids are excellent and bright. Like Torrey, though he [his son] has difficulties in standing, he can still play soccer well.'
