The bullet hit just 12 centimeters from my spinal cord, leaving me only to hope that walking again would be possible!

I am Mohsen Ben Daw and I was born in 1992 in the city of Tajoura.

It was the beginning of the revolution when rumors began to circulate about the arrival of mercenaries in our region.

This prompted me and a group of young men to block the roads. Gaddafi’s brigades fired live bullets at us and a piercing incendiary bullet penetrated my body. It hit my spine and tore through my lungs, diaphragm, and intestines.

Then began my treatment journey to the Czech Republic. I spent two years in physical therapy until movement started returning slightly to my left foot.

I was able to walk with the help of a walker.

From that moment on, I was challenged, but I decided that I would live in a natural way, in a way that there is no difference between me and anyone who walks.

I joined a sports club for people with disabilities during my treatment in the Czech Republic. I played basketball for a year and a half. During that time, I was promoted and played in the European Championships up until the officials of the Libyan National Team contacted me to play on their team in international tournaments.

I then returned to Libya and continued my treatment on and off. I kept the belief that I am a normal person who does not lack anything, so I began to lead a normal life. I started my own business in commerce and practiced various sports including basketball, tennis, and weightlifting. Now, some young men and I are about to open a sports club in my hometown, Tajoura.

Since I left the Czech, I got used to going with friends to the gym. At first, they wondered how I was going to play with them- I am in a wheelchair! Surprised, their doubts disappeared when I started playing. They found out that nothing can hinder my ability to play just like them!

Today, I am a young married man. I have a daughter who turned one a few days ago. I am still working and doing my hobbies as normal.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a council election which helped influence the idea that those who suffer from a disability should have the right to thrive in life. Their highest ambition should not have to be getting a wheelchair from the government.