Michael Schumacher condition news update: 'Keep Fighting' initiative gives inaugural award to Paralympic athlete as F1's condition remains private
The mystery surrounding Michael Schumacher's current health condition may be embroiled in controversies and speculations, but some of his more avid fans and supporters have instead chosen to take inspiration in what the seven-time Formula One (F1) Champion is going through.
Schumacher's family may have chosen to keep mum about the former race car driver's health condition, but they have not been blind to the overwhelming support that his fans have kept sending his way. And as a way to show gratitude and respect, the family launched the "Keep Fighting" initiative last December.
The movement aims to encourage Schumacher's supporters to keep fighting in times of trouble. In line with this goal, the first "Keep Fighting" Award was recently awarded on Jan. 30 at this year's Sports Business Summit (SpoBiS) held in Dusseldorf, Germany. The award was presented to Paralympics gold medalist Vanessa Low by Jean Todt, president of the Federation Internationale del'Automobile (FIA) and a long-time friend of the Schumachers. Nico Rosberg, Schumacher's former teammate and the reigning F1 World Champion, delivered the laudation during the awarding ceremony.
Low, who lost both of her legs in an accident when she was 15, has shown impressive courage and attitude which perfectly embodies the values that the "Keep Fighting" initiative stands for. She expressed her admiration for the Schumacher family, as well as her commitment to represent and spread the values of their initiative.
It has been three years since a skiing accident in the French Alps compromised Schumacher's health. The last major update about his condition came in 2014 when the Schumachers' family friend, Philippe Streiff, shared via a French radio program that the 45-year-old F1 champion was paralyzed and in a wheelchair, could not speak, and was having memory problems. Since then, updates about the former race car driver have been limited to "he's showing signs of improvement" following the family's request for privacy.
Despite the lack of regular updates, Schumacher fans all over the world have been holding out hope for their champion's recovery while taking comfort in the "Keep Fighting" movement's message to never give up.