Despite physical limitations, you can do anything you set your mind to. That’s the message Motivational Speaker Spencer West hoped to get across to students on May 7th at Mighty Peace Day in Grande Prairie. As a double leg amputee, West says he wants to use his story to inspire others.
“I use the example that I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and raised a half a million dollars for clean water… If I can do this then take the things you love to do with the causes that you care about and put them together and go out and do something.”
Mighty Peace Day is a motivational event created to inspire youth in grades six through 12 to make a difference in the world. The day-long event includes motivation speakers, guest presentations and concerts.
West was born with legs but a genetic disease caused the muscles not to work. At the age of five, doctors removed both legs below the pelvis. West says events like this are so important because it shows youth that they aren’t alone and they can change the world.
“If they didn’t realize that they could make a difference the flipside is now they understand that it’s tangible and there’s things that they can do with the causes that they care about. This day is to celebrate and also to empower them to keep doing those things.”
This year, Mighty Peace Day has brought together more than 2,000 students from 36 schools across the region.