Emmanuel’s Gift

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah:Champion of Ghana’s Disabled

Childhood•Born in 1977 without a right leg

•Abandoned by his father

•Disabled shunned

•Mother wanted best life

•Carried or hopped to school

Life in the Big City•His mother became very ill

•Moved to the capital, Accra, at age 13

•Made $2.00 a day shining shoes

•Saw what it was really like to be disabled in Ghana

“Don't let anybody put you down because of your disability"

“Riding” Above

"I wanted people to know that if you are a disabled person in your leg, you're not a disabled person in your mind"

•Challenged Athlete Foundation (CAF)

•Bike, gear, and $1,000

•Rode 370 miles around Ghana raising awareness

In America•2002- San Diego Triathlon Challenge

•CAF's primary fundraiser in CA

•Took him 7 hours to complete 56 miles of bike leg

•Received prosthetic limb free

After his surgery…

•Competed in Triathlon Challenged and shaved 3 hours off time

•Walked without crutches, wore 2 shoes, and normal pants

•Run and play soccer

Meeting with the King•Tried meeting with King Osagyefuo but turned away at the palace gates for being disabled

•First time a disabled person was allowed within palace gates

Today•Named Most Inspirational Athlete of the Year

•Special running leg

•Emmanuel Education Fund in Ghana

•Used to educate the disabled in Ghana

•Wheelchairs for countrymen

•Movie made to tell his story