EIU Media Relations

Beautiful Lives Project takes it to the court at EIU

From WCIA Champaign:

CHARLESTON, Ill (WCIA) – Bryce Weiler has never let his disability get in the way of his dreams of becoming a sportscaster. He was born blind and wants people with disabilities to know that they can still achieve their goals. 

“Just because someone has a disability does not mean he or she cannot be successful,” Weiler said. 

That belief brought Weiler to start the Beautiful Lives Project in 2017, which is an organization hosting several events nationwide for disabled people to join in on sports, arts and community activities. 

On Thursday, Beautiful Lives Project hosted a basketball camp for disabled people at Eastern Illinois University, and dozens joined on the court. 

Special educator Jenna York brought two of her biggest basketball fans from Lawrenceville to experience the event. 

“[The children] were really excited to have the opportunity to play and to meet the basketball players and just feel like they fit in with everyone,” York said. 

“The adults and children that are participating in this event today they have a chance to gain confidence in themselves and to realize these opportunities are out there to experience sports and experience whatever their dreams are in life,” Weiler said. 

Weiler met Eastern Illinois University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Marty Simmons while he was enrolled at the University of Evansville. Simmons said Weiler has the “biggest heart” out of anyone he knows. 

Simmons also hopes that the participants build relationships with people. 

“I hope it makes them happy,” said Simmons. “I see a lot of smiles, I see a lot of high fives. Maybe they learn a little about basketball, but more than anything, the ability to connect.”