It was a special day at Prairie View Elementary and Middle School Tuesday, Feb. 11.
After all, it’s not everyday you have a gold medal-winning Olympian walking the halls of your school.
American Special Olympics gold-medalist Lucy Meyer visited PVEMS with a message of unity, acceptance and perserverence, speaking to all students in grades K-5 in the gym, then talking to middle school health students in the classroom.
“The best part of my life is working with kids,” she said. “They make me so happy.”
Lucy, who represents Special Olympics, is also an ambassador for UNICEF USA, the United Nations’ arm for children’s education. Her relationship with both organizations has taken her around the world.
It’s an astonishing accomplishment for a 19-year-old who recently graduated high school and is using her “gap year” to spread a message of tolerance. Meyer, who has cerebral palsy, was not expected to walk, or even swallow, after being diagnosed at birth with the neurological-muscular disease.
“There are times and there are things I can’t do,” she said during a Q and A session with the grade school students. “I wish that I could do everything, but I can’t. However, that doesn’t make me different from anyone else on the inside.”
Lucy urged kids to be accepting of kids who are different, especially those who might have a disability you can’t see.
She said people also need to find what makes them happy. For her – it’s swimming. And she just happens to be very good at it – winning five gold medals.
“I never would have known, but my parents got me in the water, and I loved it. It’s where I’m so happy,” she said.
Lucy has big plans for the future.
“After my gap year, I will continue my education through UCLA Pathways, continue my role as the Spokesperson for the UNICEF USA – Special Olympics Partnership, compete as a Special Olympics athlete, and participate in the Best Buddies Club and the Special Olympics at UCLA Club,” she said.
If you would like to help Lucy in her mission, you can donate, and learn more, at www.teamlucymeyer.org.
