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Contact: Melissa Peveto
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
4/2/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Craig MacFarlane, a former competitive wrestler and the 1993 winner of the National Blind Downhill Skiing Medal, will speak at Northwestern State University as part of Disability Awareness Day. The event will be held April 15 and is sponsored by NSU's General College.
Blind since the age of two, MacFarlane has succeeded in making his other senses do the work of his eyes. His extraordinary accomplishments have earned MacFarlane the respect of former President George Bush, auto racer Mario Andretti and others. MacFarlane began wrestling at the age of eight as a way to prove himself in a sighted world. By age 13, he had won his first blind national wrestling championship.
In addition to his athletic accomplishments, he has inspired thousands of people during speaking engagements across the nation. During his addresses, he discusses the courage required of a blind athlete competing against sighted opponents and relates the challenges of achieving his goals.
The thrust of MacFarlane's address is the word pride, which, he says, is the primary ingredient in his success.
MacFarlane has spoken at the last three Republican conventions and has been featured in Reader's Digest and "60 Minutes International." He has received accolades from former First Lady Nancy Reagan, sports announcer Howard Cosell and football legend Walter Payton.
MacFarlane will speak at 10:00 a.m. in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom on the NSU campus. The public is invited to attend. The Edward D. Jones Company of Natchitoches is sponsoring MacFarlane's visit.
In addition, MacFarlane will compete against students in various physical activities as part of the day-long event.
Disability displays and information tables, panel discussions, faculty in-service workshops, and an open forum will also be held during the day to inform the public about disability issues. The open forum begins at 6 p.m. in Studio A of Kyser Hall. All events, with the exception of the faculty in-service workshops, are open to the public.
For more information, contact Steve Hicks, coordinator of disability services, at (318) 357-5000 or (318) 357-6950.