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 Wilma is a sickly little child left so crippled from
polio, doctors say she will never walk normally again. She fights this fate
with a stubbornness shared by her parents, beats her polio by age 12, becomes
involved in both basketball and track and, by age 16, is selected to run in
the 1956 Olympic Games. She wins a bronze medal and returns four years later,
becoming the first woman in the United States to win three gold medals in one
Olympics, a truly astonishing feat.
Wilma finishes her teaching degree and then travels throughout
the United States, inspiring others with her story. Her amazing journey will
help children realize the power of hard work, determination and self-belief
in achieving their own personal dreams and goals.
RELATED CURRICULUM SUGGESTIONS:
- Bullying
- Black history
- Biographies
- Disability awareness
- Civil Rights Movement
- Social studies, language
arts, and physical education
 SPECIAL CELEBRATION DATES:
- September, 1960 - Wilma became
first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics
- October - Disability
Awareness Month, National Book Month
- October 16-22 - National
CHARACTER COUNTS! Week
- November, 1956 - Wilma won
a bronze medal in the Olympics
- November 13-19 - American
Education Week
- November 14-20 - Children's
Book Week
- February - Black History
Month, Youth Leadership Month
- March - Women’s
History Month
- April 8-14 - National
Library Week
- May - National Sports and
Fitness Month
*For specific tie-ins to your state's curriculum
and learning standards, please call our office.
TESTIMONIALS:
CHICAGO:
"Captivating
and inspiring; geared to the age level. These programs are a must each
year!"
-- First Grade Teacher, Foster School, Oak Forest
"This program teaches how education prepares you for life, not just
a moment of glory, and it also teaches persistence to overcome difficulties
in one's life."
-- Fifth Grade Teacher, Clissold School, Chicago
BOSTON:
"The
performance was excellent . It kept the kindergarten class captivated. She
really made you feel she was the character, not an actress."
-- Kindergarten Teacher, Franklin School, Medford
"It was truly a learning experience of considerable magnitude. I have
seldom had the privilege of attending an assembly where the material and
method were so masterfully accomplished."
-- Sixth Grade Teacher, Canterbury Street School, Worcester
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL:
"Inspirational!
The kids sat in awe. We could use more positive messages like this these
days."
-- Primary Teacher, Hoover School, Coon Rapids
"One of the best assemblies I have seen in 31 years. It was fun,
serious, well-paced, creative and at the kids' maturity and interest
level."
-- Fifth Grade Teacher, Chelsea School, St. Paul
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