Hoops and dreams

Disadvantaged youths in China's northwest find their place on the sports field

With the sun high over the basketball court, Meme ttursunjan Erkin darted past his defender, pivoted and zipped a perfect bounce pass to a teammate. He clapped his hands, calling for a huddle.

Small in stature, he does not stand out at first glance — until one notices the gleaming prosthetic attached to his right leg.

"I just want to play like everyone else," the 12-year-old said. "When I'm on the court, I forget about my leg."