If you are born disabled in Ghana, West Africa, you are likely to be poisoned, or left to die by your family; and 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. ~ "Emmanuel's Gift"

Emmanuel's Many Gifts
Through a missionary in Accra, Emmanuel learned about the California based Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). He sent a letter explaining his aspirations (to ride a bicycle across Ghana and show his country that disability doesn't mean inability) and asking for the donation of bike. Intrigued by Emmanuel's story, the CAF sent him a mountain bike and other equipment to help make his journey -- and mission -- possible.

In September 2001, Emmanuel embarked on a bike ride across his homeland, wearing a shirt that read "The Pozo," slang for a disabled person. His journey was documented in newspapers and on the radio. He became a national hero.

Emmanuel was instrumental in helping to arrange for the distribution of 100 wheelchairs in his own hometome of Koforidua, Ghana, in March of 2004. Following that, he accompanied the King of Ghana to Southern California in July where they were guests of honor at our 2004 Summer Fundraiser. Over $210,000 was raised at this event and another trip was made to Ghana with more chairs in March, 2005. <more of this story>

ESPN Honors Disabled Athletes
The prestigious Arthur Ashe Courage Award was presented to Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah and Jim MacLaren, two disabled athletes who embody the toughness of spirit and never-give-up attitude that are the hallmarks of the award and its namesake, at The 2005 ESPY Awards. Oprah Winfrey presented the award to both gentlemen when ESPN televised the 13th annual industry-wide sports celebration hosted by Matthew Perry on Sunday, July 17, 2005.

Emmanuel is Guest Runner at "Run for Mobility" Fundraiser, Feb 5 2006
Emmanuel started the 5K race on Feb 5 and joined us as a special guest for the pre-race dinner on Feb 3. See the story behind the man in "Emmanuel's Gift". "Every parent...should take their children to see this movie", says Oprah.

Emmanuel and Jim MacLaren on OPRAH Sept 29, 2005, ABC "No Excuses"
Emmanuel is joined by Jim MacLaren on OPRAH where she declares them both the be 2 of her own Special Heroes.

Emmanuel delights Free Wheelchair Mission for second year in a row at the "Run for Mobility" 2007!
Emmanuel enlivened our second annual Run for Mobility fundraiser by being a Guest of Honor at the pre-race dinner and then participating in the marathon the following day.

Read the story of how Free Wheelchair Mission and Emmanuel first became friends and partners.

Brief Biography of Emmanuel

Emmanuel's Gift United States 2004	Watch Movie Trailer
Directed By: Lisa Lax Cinematographer: Samson Chan Editors: April Wilson, Meredith Paige Music Director: Jeffrey Beal Producers: Lisa Lax, Nancy Stern Narrated By: Oprah Winfrey Festivals Attended: Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Cinequest Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, The Second Annuals Artivist's Film Festival Running Time: 79 min