09 Jun. 2016 – Some people turn their disability into something great, surpassing all the obstacles and chasing new challenges in every day’s life. Most of them use sports to push their limits and compete against able athletes. 
Joseph SALAMEH is a motorsports lover! He finished second in the amateur category at the Lebanese Drifting championship that was held in Beirut Waterfront.
Joseph lost his leg when he was 16-years-old due to a fight against cancer that lasted for almost 2 years! He used to play all kind of sports: basketball, football, handball, cycling, hunting and hiking!
“It wasn’t easy at the beginning, but I said to myself as I was a sports person, I will be that same person even with one leg!” Said Joseph.
The sportsman started integrating step by step, and according to him, he learned everything from zero! What he used to do with his two legs, he started doing it with only one!
“It is about knowing yourself and your potential, and the most important thing is to believe in yourself!” He added.
Joseph learnt how to adapt his condition to sports, he has no coach, he did everything on his own. His will and determination to get back to the things he loves the most helped him achieve his goals!
“I took the challenge and thought and planned for every obstacle. I found solutions and modification to adapt to my case. For example, I modified my bike with two gear options, left and right, si I can change from one speed to another. I also learned to control my balance. In snowboarding for example, I modified my knee to certain measures.”
Unfortunately, there is no motorsport competitions for disable athletes whereas in most of the sports para-athletes have the chance the shine! Joseph not only drives a car but he also competes with able drivers using his prothesis. He learnt how to control it on the clutch.
Joseph’s secret lies in his preparation. “I love driving and I usually practice on snow or water where it is more dangerous but is it easier, where I don’t have to burn my wheels and make it harder to my car.”
He learnt from his own mistakes. Joseph is a true champion, he not only made his own way towards greatness but he also helped young people do the same! He gave them hope, support and a chance to dream big!
“When I see my friend ridding again his bike I feel the joy and happiness as if I am driving.”
Joseph is hoping to inspire and help others. Well, he inspired me and will surely inspire more people especially the youngsters with disability to turn it into a strength!
All the best Joseph in Jezzine Drifting competition!
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