Sports quickly became part of Messner’s life
EDMOND — When Kevin Messner was 4, he was left on the front porch of an orphanage with a congenial birth defect affecting his left leg.
The Endeavor Games are an athletic competition at University of Central Oklahoma for children and adults who are physically disabled. It gives people the opportunity to compete in a proper and safe setting against people with similar disabilities. The Endeavor Games began at UCO in 2000 and now is one of the nation’s largest multisport, multidisability events drawing people from all over the country.
Messner, 17, was born in China, which is where his family left him at the orphanage. His left leg required amputation, but nothing could be done in China. Messner was soon adopted and moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he got the needed medical attention.
Sports quickly became a part of Messner’s life. He got involved with an organization, Arizona Disabled Sports, which is a recreation and training center for disabled athletes.
Messner said it was his mother who first encouraged him to try athletics.
“She wanted me to start getting involved with sports and stuff, so that’s when she found Arizona Disabled Sports,” Messner said. “When we did that, I kind of did it for fun at first but then I started to get more serious about it.”
The competitions have given him valuable experiences. This past week, he got the opportunity to compete at nationals in Los Angeles. Messner has also competed at worlds.
“I went to worlds when I was younger, about 3 years ago,” Messner said. “It was up in the Netherlands, up in Amsterdam, and we competed there for team USA. That was an honor. My goal is for Tokyo 2020.”
Throughout the travel and competition, Messner said his favorite part has been the people.
Having competed in the Endeavor Games in the past, it did not seem possible for Messner this year, but he and a few friends were in Texas days before and decided to make a road trip out of it and come to Oklahoma City.
Messner began in distance running and has changed to sprinting. He competes in the 100, 200, and 400. He recently started competing in the long jump. When asked what his favorite event was, it was an easy answer.
“My favorite event would probably be the 100, short and easy,” Messner said.
The Endeavor Games are a special couple days to promote these athletes and unite them to compete in their events. According to Messner, they have a special impact on the community.
“It means everything,” Messner said. “It shows that just because we are disabled doesn’t mean we can’t still get out there and show them what we are made of. It shows a huge positive image for our foundation, and the amputee community is growing and we are continuing to expand and get bigger.”
It means everything. It shows that just because we are disabled doesn’t mean we can’t still get out there and show them what we are made of.” Kevin Messner, on impact of the Endeavor Games