You are salient examples of humanity’s greatness because you have done prominent work with spectacular determination, willpower, perseverance, and endless zeal.
Ayatollah Khamenei's statements in a meeting with differently able students, October 13, 1993
Spiritual power and faith-derived determination and compassion for other people are extremely important. Many physically able people who lack determination cannot grow and become successful in any arena; but people with apparent physical debilities or disabilities can achieve great work and advances, thanks to strong determination and zeal.
August 27, 1997
Compare a person who does not have a physical condition, who becomes a champion of a certain sport or wins a high ranking, with a person who is physically challenged and earns the same ranking. Such a feat shows that the determination of the challenged athlete is even firmer; therefore, the value of his efforts is twice or several times greater.
Despite your physical condition, you have managed to shine brightly in the arena of sports: this is very valuable. So, when those who have a physical condition – the disabled war veterans and other people with physical challenges – compete in sports and become champions, this is twice or several times more valuable than the ones who do not have a physical challenge. --This shows your firm determination. When you realized that you have a physical condition – in your legs, your hands, and other parts of your body – you could have stepped aside from championship competitions with that excuse, but you did not. Instead, you entered the arena, worked hard, exercised, pushed yourselves, and showed firm determination to reach the peak of this sports arena. Championship sports are the summit of a mountain, and public sports are its foot. Because of you, everyone looks at the summit and moves towards it by learning from you. Therefore, your work is more valuable than that of other champions who do not suffer from a physical condition.
