BLIND ATHLETE DELIVERS MESSAGE TO STUDENTS

Students in Cape Girardeau and Jackson learned to relate pride and success from blind athlete and motivational speaker Craig MacFarlane Tuesday.

MacFarlane, 32, was blinded during an accident when he was 2 years old at his home in Ontario, Canada. Recognized as one of the world's most versatile blind athletes, he competes in sports as diverse as hockey, snow skiing and golf.

"Don't let people paint you into a corner because of your abilities," he told students during lectures at Trinity Lutheran and Jackson middle schools. "If I can do it, I have no doubt in my mind that you can achieve anything you set out to."

MacFarlane based his lecture around the letters in the word pride. Each letter has a special meaning, he said. They stand for perseverance, respect, individuality, desire, and enthusiasm, and without those success can't be expected, he said.

MacFarlane told the students to put on their "game face" and smile in the face of life's challenges. Everyone feels challenged at times, he said, but you have to be prepared to meet those challenges head on.

"Use the down moments as stepping stones, because success depends on your attitude," he said.

In addition to winning 103 gold medals and numerous other trophies in various events, MacFarlane has shown his versatility in other areas as well. He has recorded an album as a singer, but he also plays the piano, clarinet, trumpet and trombone. Next spring a book about his life will be released at the same time as a documentary hosted by sportscaster Bob Costas.

MacFarlane said he has also spoken at three Republican National conventions, and within the next five years he plans to run for a seat in Congress.

"I don't think about what I can't do," he said. "I have been blessed with a number of abilities, and I don't dwell on what I might not be able to do."

Besides visiting the two schools, MacFarlane also spoke to the Cape Girardeau West Rotary Club. His lectures were sponsored by Joe and Donna Domian, representatives for the local Edward Jones financial services firm.

MacFarlane is also employed by the firm, which sponsors his lectures to more than 160 schools each year.