Paralympian Shares His Story, Inspiring Message with Merrick Students

Paralympic athlete Dennis Oehler led an assembly for fifth graders at Birch School in the Merrick School District at the end of September to educate them about individuals with disabilities and to share his own story, including showing them his prosthetic leg.

Oehler was an all-star athlete committed to becoming a professional soccer player when he was in a car accident that required amputation of his leg below the knee. Through perseverance and hard work, he overcame adversity and pursued his dream of being an all-star athlete.

Introduced to the Paralympic Games by a friend, Oehler was astounded by the athleticism, spirit and ability these individuals exhibited. Inspired by what he had seen, he competed in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter races in the 1988 Summer Paralympics in Seoul, beating the world records, and in the 2000 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona.

During the assembly, Oehler advised the fifth-graders on how to behave around amputees in daily settings by not focusing on their disability, and to always persevere when faced with any challenges life may throw their way.

Photo: Merrick School District.