Like the disabled, the Bermuda College graduating class of 2000 can overcome any stumbling block before them to fulfil their lifelong dreams.

This was the message American actor, athlete, stand-up comic and activist Henry Holden delivered to local students during his whirl-wind visit to Bermuda.

The motivational speaker, who happens to be disabled, is living proof that an unyielding spirit can achieve anything. Despite the odds against him, Mr.

Holden has achieved success in the American entertainment industry, appearing on televisions shows like Hill Street Blues and Becker.

Along with the Bermuda College graduating class of 2000, Mr. Holden took centre stage at Saturday night's Commencement Formal at the Southampton Princess Hotel.

In addition to the weekend appearance, Mr. Holden also addressed Sandys Middle School on Friday on how the disabled are represented in the media.

According to Nathan Samuels, president of the Bermuda College Student Government Council, it was a chance encounter that eventually led to Mr.

Holden's visit to Bermuda.

"The executive of the Student Government Council and our advisor went to a conference in New York in March,'' he recalled. "The conference had a lot of workshops for the students and it also had an area where people could showcase student oriented products -- that's where we met Mr. Holden.

"He told us that he regularly speaks to students and would be happy to speak in Bermuda.'' When the Student Government Council began planning their graduation, they immediately recalled the positive impression Mr. Holden had made on them.

"It was the Student Government Council's idea to have this evening,'' explained Mr. Samuels.

"We wanted to have a celebration to mark the Year 2000 and the 25th Anniversary of the College.

"We would like to see this continue each year.'' He added: "When we started planning this graduation and looked at the information Mr. Holden gave us at the conference, we decided that he would be the man for the job.

"He has an important message but he is also entertaining.'' "People with disabilities are equal, just like everyone else,'' said Mr.

Holden who is currently on a crusade to change how the media portray disabled people.

There are 53 million people in the US with disabilities and currently the Bermuda College has two students who use wheel-chairs.

"I take a humorous look at the subject,'' pointed out the founder of performers with Disabilities for the Screen Actors Guild.

"Most people have negative feelings about people with disabilities.'' Mr.

Holden explained. "Before I speak to a group, most of them associated disability with negative thoughts. After I speak to them they have a more positive outlook on it.'' And he insisted that the issue was one that should appeal to the community at large since no one knows what fate has in store or them.

"This issue also affects people who don't have disabilities,'' he pointed out. "People can acquire a disability, through illnesses or bike accidents.

You never know what will happen to you in the future.

"I want people to know that life doesn't stop if you become disabled -- life has too much to offer.'' Mr. Holden doesn't just talk the talk, he lives what he preaches, directing his upbeat outlook on every situation.

"When I was four years old I was fortunate enough to contract polio. I say this because it has not stopped me from having a quality life. It hasn't stopped me from doing anything -- I bowl, I'm a certified scuba diver, I downhill ski and I play wheel-chair volleyball.

"Where there's a will there's a way!'' And it was this positive message that Mr. Holden shared with the Graduating Class of 2000, their family and friends at the Saturday night gala.

"I want them to know that nothing about them is negative, everything about them is positive,'' he insisted. "Society only looks at what people can't do instead of what they can do.

"My message is -- don't let anybody defeat you, everyone is capable of achieving what they want.'' He added: "The graduates have their diplomas, they have their key to get into the world.

"Sometimes they will get doors slammed in their face and when they do hopefully they will remember me and say `if he can do it, then why can't I overcome the obstacles in front of me'. People have to hear success stories.'' Mr. Holden also said that he would remind the graduates that while that same key (their education) could open many doors, it could also close a few doors at the same time.

"They have keys and those keys work both ways, they can open and close doors,'' he warned."They must choose carefully.

"They can achieve whatever they want to and they have power to do it.''