Sun Yi, a disabled man from Dinghai district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, wears an honorary ribbon recognizing him as a national role model for self-reliance. [Photo/WeChat account: zhoushanshicanlian] 

Sun Yi, a disabled man from Dinghai district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, was honored as a national role model for self-reliance at an award ceremony held in Beijing on May 16.

Sun is now a member of the seventh Zhoushan Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and vice chairman of the seventh presidium of the Zhoushan Municipal Association of the Disabled. He also runs an advertising company and two hotels in Dinghai district. 

Sun has spared no effort in helping the disabled over the years, helping more than 400 disabled people find a job and raising over 650,000 yuan ($94,200) for the disabled. 

In recognition of these deeds, Sun has been honored by Zhejiang province and Zhoushan city as a role model for self-reliance and an outstanding person in helping the disabled. 

"I'm disabled myself. I feel it is both an obligation and a desire for me to help others like myself," said Sun.

Sun plans to invest 30 million yuan in building a special hotel on Zhujiajian Island that displays and sells cultural products as well.

The award ceremony, held for the sixth consecutive year, honored 167 national role models for self-reliance, and 333 individuals and units for their outstanding contributions in helping the disabled.

Top Party and State leaders praised the award winners at the ceremony.

A total of six national role models for self-reliance, including Sun Yi, and 10 individuals and units which help the disabled were from Zhejiang province.