Get inspired by Ezra Frech: Athlete, young motivational speaker and amputee
LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) - Anyone who meets Ezra Frech would say he's a 40-year-old full of wisdom trapped in a 11-year-old's body.
Ezra and his father Clayton are the co-founders of Angel City Sports, a brand that works to address the myriad of challenges that exist for athletes with disabilities -- including a lack of events, programs, training, coaches, transportation and more.
Ezra was born with congenital limb differences, missing his left knee and left fibula - as well as fingers on his left hand.
At 11 months, he received his first prosthetic leg. He later had surgery to remove the lower, non-functioning part of his left leg and to transplant a toe from the amputated foot to his left hand.
Loved ones say he has been unstoppable ever since.
"We knew it was going to be a special journey because we had a couple names picked out," his father Clayton explained on Good Day LA. "We picked Ezra which means teacher and helper. We felt like regardless of his journey, he would be kind of teaching and helping the world understand what it was like to be different."
The father-son duo started the Angel City Sports program in June 2013 after traveling around the country to participate in various track and field events.
During an event in Oklahoma City, they wondered: "Why do we need to come to tornado alley to run, jump, and throw things? Why aren't there more programs in Southern California?"
This question led to the creation of the annual Angel City Games, a one-of-a-kind competition and event experience for youth and adults with physical disabilities.
"I love sports so much. Physically, mentally, it’s something that just brings me to life," Ezra explained. "And lots of kids with physical disabilities like me don’t get that kind of opportunity."
Ezra is also a young motivational speaker who has spoken at schools and even appeared on the Ellen Show. He's won several awards and holds nine national track and field records in his age and classification.
Through his own experience, he aims to bring more awareness and understanding for the physically challenged.
"Everybody is different, right? Whether we look different, we think different or we act different, we all have our differences and our challenges. Mine just happen to be visible," he said.
If anyone needs an inspiration, this kid is it.
The second annual Angel City Games are July 7 through 10 at UCLA's Drake Stadium. Click here for a schedule of events.
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