Paige Calendine Serves As Inspiration To Others Through Sports

ZANESVILLE, OH- We caught up with one Maysville Elementary student who isn’t letting her disability hold her back, but instead inspire others to achieve their dreams.

Ten-year-old Paige Calendine of Zanesville was born without legs. But, that has not stopped her from taking part in the sports that she loves. She has taken part in gymnastics and swimming. Now, she’s taking her talents to another sport, archery.

Paige‘s parents say that it was her idea to try archery and once the time was right, they supported their daughter in her newest venture.

“She actually came up to me like last year and talked about archery and I was like, Paige, with everything we’ve going on right now let’s just see how it goes. I was afraid she wasn’t going to be able to pull a bow back far enough. She’s kind of small, she does not have a big chest to full draw back. So, I was like let’s just hold on. Then, she brought it up again this year and I was like let’s try it. You want to do it, let’s try archery. It was great what we did because she does awesome,” said Sean Calendine.

Just like anyone else trying something new for the first time. It takes time and practice to get where they want to be. But for Paige, her disability created different obstacles and challenges for her in the beginning…but with the help of her support system, Paige adjusted and made it work for her.

“Starting off, it was challenging and a struggle just trying to figure out how she could do it. You would think it would be easy just pulling it back and letting it go. But we found obstacles like her wheelchair, the string and stuff lining up and everything just so that the bow could actually fire and everything. Go in line and smooth,” said Nate Harper, Paige’s mentor.

Just like the other sports she’s taken part in and the challenges that she’s faced throughout her life…she has not only overcome adversity, but has strived.

Not only is Paige an athlete and a kid doing what she loves, but she serves an inspiration for others that are disabled and hopes her story motivates those in a similar situation to believe in themselves and try.

“That’s what we tell her. We tell her all the time, girl you are built different and if anybody says they can’t do something then they need to watch you and see. I mean, she’s an inspiration to do it. She does whatever she wants pretty much,” said Paige’s father.

For Paige, she says she has a message to share for others who are also disabled and facing similar challenges.

“Never give up with what you’re doing and follow your dreams,” said Paige.