In a sport defined by speed, strategy, and self-control, 14-year-old Adelbert “Dale” S. Fama Jr. isn’t just racing against the clock—he’s racing past personal battles that many kids his age are still learning how to navigate.
Born and raised in Dubai, Dale is a proud Filipino homeschooled student with ADHD. While his condition doesn’t affect his intelligence, it does affect his social interactions—and that has made him a target of bullying over the years. But instead of letting the taunts slow him down, Dale has poured his energy into something that makes him feel alive: kart racing.
Last year, Dale made headlines as the first Filipino to win the Ramadan SWS Junior Sprint Cup Challenge at Karting Town Racetrack in Sharjah. It was a victory that marked not just a milestone in his racing career, but a turning point in his personal journey.
“He actually got more losses than wins,” shares his mother, Lea Fama. “But he shows more control now in dealing with frustrations. That’s the real growth.”
Fuelled by sacrifice and family support
Racing is expensive, and the Famas made a tough call to homeschool Dale so they could afford his karting ambitions. “We save a lot from tuition, school bus, uniforms, books, and other fees,” says Lea. “And he gets to learn at his own pace, which is important for someone with ADHD.”
But academics still come first in their home. “He knows that if there’s a race on a weekday, he has to finish schoolwork late at night or on weekends,” she adds.
Lea offers a powerful message to fellow parents of children with special needs: “It hurts to see our kids being bullied. But we have to guide them—help them weigh when to walk away and when to defend themselves. Our role is to help them discover where they can shine, and support them fully. But always remind them that not all dreams come true—because God may have a better plan.”
Staying ready for the next lap
Dale continues to train and race whenever funds allow. “I make sure to regularly exercise and practice so whenever we have enough money to race, I’m ready,” he says. “I got two trophies last month. Earlier this month, I finished Top 4—I was so close.”
He also makes sure to stay grounded, never letting setbacks define him. “Never give up, stand tall, and continue rising,” he says. “Focus on self-improvement, not on comparing yourself to others.”
Though he’s taken a break from badminton to focus on driving, Dale still finds joy in building Lego sets—some of which he’s yet to complete thanks to the thoughtful gifts from friends and family.
Looking ahead, Dale has his eyes on climbing the rankings at Dubai Kartdrome and—if the stars align—representing in the Junior Karting World Finals next year.
For now, he’s just grateful to be doing what he loves. And for other kids who are struggling, especially those with ADHD or who face bullying, Dale’s message is loud and clear: “Keep going. You might surprise yourself with what you can do.”
