Maynard inspires at Cinderella Ball

By Josh Eiserike

Published: June 8, 2008

Through sheer willpower and a lot of hard work, Kyle Maynard overcame his obstacles.

Maynard, 22, of Atlanta, was born without arms or legs. He's since gone on to become an ESPY-winning wrestler, author and motivational speaker. Maynard and American Idol Ruben Studdard were the featured guests at the third annual Cinderella Ball.

This was Maynard's third trip to the Cinderella Ball, to present the No Excuses award, an award to a House student who has overcome adversity.

"It's been on my heart to stay here with them and be a part of this," Maynard says. "A lot of these kids have been through more adversity than I will ever know… I just want to go out there and relate to that. The adversity that they face, there's definite benefits that'll make them stronger."

Maynard said he never looked at himself as different and he's thankful for the challenges.

Although he was entertaining and didn't give a speech like Maynard, Studdard says he hoped he might inspire the students.

"I was an overweight adult who won a pop show," Studdard says. "It shows no matter what the situation is, you can achieve your dreams if you stay persistent."