Disability not a hurdle for success
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Anatolia News Agency
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Ocak 20, 2009 00:00
ANKARA - Yusuf Akgün, who lost both his arms as a child, can paint with his mouth, is a veracious swimmer and has won awards in both fields. Living in an orphanage under state protection, Akgün is studying at the faculty of fine arts
After losing both arms in an electrical accident at the age of 7, Yusuf Akgün’s paintings and swimming medals are proof that disabilities need not prevent someone from becoming successful.
Akgün, 22, who lives in the eastern Anatolian city of Iğdır, lost both his arms in 1993. He was taken under state protection because of his family’s economic situation and has been living in an orphanage ever since. After completing high school this year, Akgün won a place to study in a fine arts faculty.
Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Akgün said he could not use his two arms but had never lost the joy of living. He said he does not live an isolated life.
"I was always curious about drawings of cartoons and animated movies. I thought of doing the same thing without arms. I started making charcoal drawings with my mouth and people’s appreciation encouraged me to continue," he said. "I also draw using brushes and pastel paint. I draw my paintings using a person as model. I am also interested in sports. I have degrees in kick boxing, athletics and swimming."
Award-winning painter
The winner of a Special Jury Prize in a painting competition in 2004 held for the 93rd anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Air Forces, Akgün said he had also exhibited photos from a trip to Poland and paintings he made in 2007 at Ankara’s Armada Shopping Mall.
As to his success in the field of swimming, Akgün said he had competed in the Turkey Physically Disabled Swimming Championship in Tokat and Samsun in 2005 and that he was chosen for the Ankara Regional Physically Disabled Swimming Team. He also competed in the Physically Disabled European Athletics Championship in 2005 in Finland.
Determination and joy of life
Akğun said he could meet his own needs without the help of anyone and that he was hopeful for the future. "I do not see myself as different from other people," he said. "If I did not have determination and joy in life, I would be in a rehabilitation center at the moment being fed by others."
Akgün is studying at the private Atılım University in the faculty of fine arts, design and architecture, part of the department of graphics and design. "I will finish university and start working. I will show my relatives, who saw me as useless when I lost my arms, what I can do."
Salih Çakırgöz, Social Services Deputy Provincial Director, said Akgün was first put in a rehabilitation center and then in the 50 Yıl Orphanage. He said Akgün should be seen as a role model for many and that they would continue supporting him.
50 Yıl Orphanage Director Ali Taşyürek said Akgün had been living with them for seven years and that they observed he had a hyperactive personality. He said werwe amazed to discover his talent for painting and swimming.
"He can paint with his mouth, which we cannot even do with our hands. Everyone is amazed by his talent and appreciates him," said Taşyürek, adding that his success in sports was a result of his hyperactivity.
Akgün, 22, who lives in the eastern Anatolian city of Iğdır, lost both his arms in 1993. He was taken under state protection because of his family’s economic situation and has been living in an orphanage ever since. After completing high school this year, Akgün won a place to study in a fine arts faculty.
Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Akgün said he could not use his two arms but had never lost the joy of living. He said he does not live an isolated life.
"I was always curious about drawings of cartoons and animated movies. I thought of doing the same thing without arms. I started making charcoal drawings with my mouth and people’s appreciation encouraged me to continue," he said. "I also draw using brushes and pastel paint. I draw my paintings using a person as model. I am also interested in sports. I have degrees in kick boxing, athletics and swimming."
Award-winning painter
The winner of a Special Jury Prize in a painting competition in 2004 held for the 93rd anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Air Forces, Akgün said he had also exhibited photos from a trip to Poland and paintings he made in 2007 at Ankara’s Armada Shopping Mall.
As to his success in the field of swimming, Akgün said he had competed in the Turkey Physically Disabled Swimming Championship in Tokat and Samsun in 2005 and that he was chosen for the Ankara Regional Physically Disabled Swimming Team. He also competed in the Physically Disabled European Athletics Championship in 2005 in Finland.
Determination and joy of life
Akğun said he could meet his own needs without the help of anyone and that he was hopeful for the future. "I do not see myself as different from other people," he said. "If I did not have determination and joy in life, I would be in a rehabilitation center at the moment being fed by others."
Akgün is studying at the private Atılım University in the faculty of fine arts, design and architecture, part of the department of graphics and design. "I will finish university and start working. I will show my relatives, who saw me as useless when I lost my arms, what I can do."
Salih Çakırgöz, Social Services Deputy Provincial Director, said Akgün was first put in a rehabilitation center and then in the 50 Yıl Orphanage. He said Akgün should be seen as a role model for many and that they would continue supporting him.
50 Yıl Orphanage Director Ali Taşyürek said Akgün had been living with them for seven years and that they observed he had a hyperactive personality. He said werwe amazed to discover his talent for painting and swimming.
"He can paint with his mouth, which we cannot even do with our hands. Everyone is amazed by his talent and appreciates him," said Taşyürek, adding that his success in sports was a result of his hyperactivity.