The first remote?controlled wheelchair toy首款遙控輪椅玩具

郭慶梅

Hot Wheels is expanding representation for kids who use wheelchairs—with the company's first?ever remote?controlled wheelchair toy.

The toy was created together with Paralympic athlete Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham. Fotheringham， who was born with disability and has been a full?time wheelchair user since the age of eight， is known for performing difficult tricks in his wheelchair.

The toy was made to imitate Fotheringham's custom?built wheelchair and featured a built?in action figure made to look like him with a remote control， so users can perform tricks like he does. For Fotheringham， his dream has come true. “Growing up， I didn't have anything like this，” said the athlete. At the toy's launch event， he saw children， including wheelchair users， having fun playing with the toy.

Fotheringham's wheelchair motocross career started with a visit to the skate park when he was just 8 years old. His brother suggested that he try dropping into the skate ramp on his wheelchair. After a few failed attempts， he finally succeeded.

The athlete said that he couldn't even believe it when Hot Wheels approached him for the partnership. “Hot Wheels' wanting to do with my chair was the biggest compliment ever，” he said. He hopes that the toy helps shift public views on wheelchairs， showing that a medical device can also be fun and adventurous. He added， “I think the remote?controlled toy is awesome because it really brings a positive and fun light to something that otherwise people make way too serious.”

Gerry Cody， director of product design for Hot Wheels RC and Innovation at Mattel， said he hoped the toy would inspire children to push past perceived limitations.

“We're excited about our latest cooperation with Aaron ‘Wheelz Fotheringham and introduction to our first?ever Hot Wheels RC wheelchair toy， strengthening our goal to inspire kids to pursue their dreams no matter what personal challenges they may face. We worked closely with Fotheringham to ensure this product was an accurate representation of his wheelchair， and a fun toy to play with. We can't wait to see all the stories that come with a first?ever and one?of?a?kind toy like this，” said Cody.

Reading Cheak

1. What is Fotheringham famous for？

A. Working as a full?time wheelchair user.

B. Showing excellent tricks in his wheelchair.

C. Caring about children as a Paralympic athlete.

D. Designing a remote?controlled wheelchair toy.

2. What inspired Fotheringham's wheelchair motocross career？

A. Great fun he had with toys.

B. An experience in a skate park.

C. Eagerness to become an athlete.

D. His brother's patient suggestions.

3. What does the underlined word “awesome” mean in paragraph 5？

A. Traditional.

B. Cheap.

C. Wonderful.

D. Common.

4. What does Cody expect of the remote?controlled wheelchair toy？

A. Producing many stories about people.

B. Having an accurate dream to pursue.

C. Encouraging kids to break boundaries.

D. Inspiring kids to develop their creativity.

Language Study

Text?centered chunks

be born with disability 天生殘疾

come true 實現(xiàn)

have fun 玩得開心

pursue one's dream 追求夢想