Scott Rigsby, world champion Ironman and double amputee, gave an inspirational speech to kick off Transition Exploration Day held at Grace College today.

Rigsby spoke to the Grace College student body and special guests about the importance of seeing each individual’s purpose as a part of God’s bigger plan. “You will give up if your life isn’t a role in a bigger story,” he explained. “You will give up if you’re doing it only for yourself.” He used accounts from his own remarkable life to inspire students to overcome fears and obstacles and make their dreams a reality.

Despite the fact that he lost both legs in a collision with a semi when he was 18, Rigsby now holds world records for double below-the-knee amputees in the Full Marathon, Half Ironman and International Distance Triathlon. He was the first double-amputee on prosthetics in the world to finish an Ironman distance triathlon. He is now involved in speaking events around the country and counseling wounded U.S. troops.

The event was organized by the Grace Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children and the Office of Student Affairs, and was held at the Orthopaedic Capital Center. Students from Warsaw Community High School, Bremen High School and Tippecanoe Valley High School attended.

After hearing Scott Rigsby speak, the high school students had the opportunity to participate in a group photo with Rigsby and go to a Transition Expo with area businesses, agencies and educational institutions displaying opportunities and resources for students future plans.

Grace College and Seminary is an evangelical Christian community of higher education that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and applies biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence and preparing for service. Grace College also offers flexible online and hybrid-online graduate degrees, on-campus and online degree completion programs, and highly affordable, easily accessible two-year degree programs in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.  The 180-acre main campus is located in the historic resort town of Winona Lake, near Warsaw.