Special Compass: Racing Towards Possibility

In this deeply moving mini-documentary, reporter Taryn Jacobs introduces us to the unwavering love and determination of a father who refused to let his son be defined by disability. Special Compass: Racing Towards Possibility takes us on the powerful journey of Jim Sayih and his son, Michael, whose boundless spirit defy physical limitations. When doctors told Jim to give up his son because he would never live a “normal” life, he didn’t listen. Instead, he chose a different path—one paved with miles of sweat, hope, and heart. Jim strapped Michael into a specialized racing wheelchair and pushed him through marathons, triathlons, and beyond—not just to carry his son through the finish line, but to show the world what inclusion looks like in motion. And that vision grew into Special Compass, a nonprofit that pairs disabled athletes with able-bodied partners, so others like Michael can experience the same thrill, freedom, and joy of competition and movement. It’s a story about dignity, connection, and purpose. It’s about one man’s refusal to accept limits, and how that courage sparked a movement that continues to ripple through communities across the country.

Executive Producer and Reporter: Taryn Jacobs
Faculty Advisors: Boriana Treadwell and Ed Julbe
Special Thanks: Gracie Palmer and Finn Wilson