| Paralympic athlete motivates youth |
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| Thursday, 16 February 2012 14:12 | |||
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More than 1,200 students sat intently to listen to Canadian Paralympic Athlete and three time world record holder deliver a motivational speech on overcoming life’s obstacles. The athlete, Rick Ball, learned first hand about overcoming personal obstacles when he lost his left leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident in 1986. A longtime supporter of the Sandals Foundation, Ball participated in two of the charity’s trans-Antigua half marathon races at its sister property Sandals Grand Antigua, raising more than $10,000 for the charity. “It feels great to be able to share my story about overcoming challenges,” Ball said. “It is important that the kids know that whatever obstacle they face, they can overcome and continue to follow their dreams just like I have, and I am living proof of that.” Ball began long distance running in 2007 and has since been carded as an elite Para-athlete by Athletics Canada. Rick has competed in several half and full marathons alongside able-bodied runners, including the 2009 Boston Marathon. In 2010, he broke the three-hour barrier for the marathon (in a time of 2 hours, 57 minutes and 47 seconds), which is a first for a single-leg amputee. He also holds the fastest time in the world for the 10,000 meters and the half marathon. “Rick Ball has truly been an inspiration, and when he recounts his story, you begin to understand the power of perseverance,” said Public Relations Manager for the Sandals Foundation Elanor Finfin Krzanowski. “His story of overcoming life’s challenges can apply to anyone facing obstacles, whether it’s reaching an educational goal or a personal one.”
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