Guo Yandong is competing in Wheelchair Basketball International Invitation Tournament.

"I don't want to be a miserable whiner and I just want my life back," he said.

The contractor had paid for his surgeries worth of 100,000 yuan(13,870 U.S. dollars) but refused to pay more for the rehabs.

After being discharged from the center for failing to pay the bill, Guo filed a lawsuit against the contractor, who was ordered by the court to provide 240,000 yuan (33,300 U.S. dollars) as compensation.

But last December the contractor closed up its business and disappeared.

"It's never been easy for a kid who plays basketball and fights a legal battle at the same time," said Yu Yuansheng, head coach of the Chinese wheelchair basketball team.

"He is only 20, but he's been through a lot," added the coach.

As an optimist, Guo has found the most unusual joy in playing basketball.

Guo made his national team debut on Tuesday when China took on Paralympic champions Canada. The youngest and shortest lad of the 12-member team was sent on court in the fourth quarter and was the leading scorer of the quarter by notching up six points.

"It is the first time we played against one of the European and North American powerhouses, the result is not that bad," Yu said of the 69-47 loss to Canada.

"Guo is the youngest of the team, but he doesn't have cold feet," said Coach Yu.

"Although Guo was not physically strong, his agility, speed and shooting precision are what we need," Yu said, adding that he will plan more strategies for the quick winger.

"The tournament features the top three in Athens Paralympics, and their skills are beautiful," said Guo, who had been introduced to Team Beijing in 2006 by a doctor in the rehabs center .paraplegic

"I never feel pressure. I feel excited to compete with strong players. I want to score some nice shots," added Guo.

As the second worst disabled player in the national team, Guo has to compete and train wearing a diaper.

Earning a monthly salary of 300 yuan in the team, Guo and his family can barely make ends meet under an avalanche of debts owed to the center. His father had to return to their home village to earn more bread as a plasterer.

"Let's see how far we can reach in the court, but it truly won't get on my nerves anymore. After all, living in a good mood and playing basketball is more important to me."

The high-spirited Guo has had a plan for his future.

"I want to be a typist or a professional wheelchair basketball player abroad," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2008)