Note: A secial premier of Emmanuel's Gift will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 17th at Chicago's Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport, 773-871-6604). Check out www.emmanuelsgift.com for more information.

This is the story of a disabled orphan whose father abandoned him, whose village dismissed him and whose country thought him better off dead. This is the story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, who had nothing, but gave everything --- and changed a nation forever.

Synopsis

If you are born disabled in Ghana, West Africa you are likely to be poisoned, or left to die by your family; if you are not poisoned or left for dead, you're likely to be hidden away in a room; and if you're not hidden, you are destined to spend your lifetime begging on the streets. Of the twenty million people in Ghana, two million are disabled. This is the story of one disabled man whose mission --- and purpose --- is to change all that forever.

In "Emmanuel's Gift," filmmakers Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern have uncovered a story as compelling as it is important. Narrated by Oprah Winfrey, the film chronicles the life of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a young Ghanaian man born with a severely deformed right leg, who today, against incalculable odds, is opening minds, hearts and doors --- and effecting social and political change throughout his country.

While Emmanuel's message is vital --- People with disabilities are valuable contributors to any society --- his method is inspirational. With only one leg, Emmanuel begins his courageous quest with a 600- kilometer bicycle ride across Ghana, spreading his vision of grit and resolve with each turn of the bike's pedals.

Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern have been documenting Emmanuel's plight for over two years, having shot over 400 hours of powerful footage. The film includes original footage shot in Ghana, California, Oregon and New York, as well as photographs and other acquired film and video of Emmanuel's early years.

Through it all, they have created an intimate insight into the mind and heart of a courageous, awe inspiring, heroic visionary, one whose unforgettable journey transcends continents and cultures to become a vision shared by each of us.

About the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)

The San Diego Triathlon Challenge was created to help one person, one athlete, one injured friend in need. In 1993, Jim MacLaren was at the top of his game. He had overcome a near fatal accident that resulted in the loss of his leg below the knee. Jim was embracing his role as the world's most accomplished amputee marathoner and as a gritty competitor in the ultimate test of human endurance: Ironman Hawaii. He was paving the way for generations of challenged athletes who would look to him for guidance. His performances, most in the top 20% of all competitors, stunned his fellow racers and exasperated those he beat.

In 1993, Jim's world was once again turned upside down. While competing in the bike portion on a closed triathlon racecourse, Jim was hit by a van that left him --- for the second time --- fighting for his life. Jim was left a quadriplegic, but help - and hope - were on the way. Soon after the accident, friends from the triathlon community gathered at the first San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) in 1994 to raise $25,000 to buy Jim a new adaptable van. They raised twice that amount. The trend continued and year after year, fundraising expectations were blown away. After Jim's bills were paid, organizers turned their focus to the many SDTC participants with disabilities who were inspired to greater heights by Jim's accomplishments. In 1997, the Challenged Athletes Foundation was established with the same spirit and determination that fueled Jim.

Since then, the CAF has raised close to $6 million and helped more than 1,600 challenged athletes obtain such special equipment as sports chairs and handcycles needed to participate in sports and physical fitness. This funding has helped pay for other needs, too --- like teaching physically challenged children to swim and helping send athletes to the Paralympic Games.

Because of the success of the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, the CAF has flourished into a world-renowned organization that has helped thousands of challenged athletes live out their dreams. In response to this growth, the CAF has begun pursuing additional sources of funding that include planned giving, individual donations, grant writing and corporate partnerships. Along with new sources of funding, CAF has created mentoring and outreach programs that will better serve challenged athletes and educate communities around the world about disability.

Like Jim MacLaren, the CAF seeks to constantly re-define the parameters of what is considered "possible" for challenged athletes.