SATURDAY - 10:00am - Keynote Address: Kurt Fearnley

“Kurt Fearnley - the inspirational gold-medal winning paralympian and teacher”

 
Presented by: Kurt Fearnley - With an introduction and official welcome by Brad Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of Teacher Federation Health.
 
 
About Kurt Fearnley:
Kurt Fearnley is undoubtedly our most inspirational young Australian. With a never say die attitude he had conquered challenges most of us would never dream of - then gone out in search of more. In Movember, Kurt Fearnley made history when he crawled the gruelling Kokoda Trail to raise awareness of men's health issues.

Kurt's Kokoda triumph completed an amazing year during which our Marathon Man of wheelchair sports claimed his fourth consecutive New York Marathon title, his third consecutive win in the Chicago Marathon and numerous other victories in Seoul, Paris, London and Sydney.

In recognition of his incredible achievenements, Kurt Fearnley was named 2009 Young Australian of the Year.

Kurt says his success is not about his wheelchair - it's about self belief, setting goals and the thrill of pushing through extreme adversity.

Kurt Fearnley's achievements include:

  • 2001 to 2008 - 36 marathons - 28 wins - 36 podium finishes
  • Marathon wins in 10 countries, on five continents
  • Three-time Paralympian - nine medals - three Gold
  • Five-time World Champion
  • Two-time Laureus World Sports Award Finalist
  • Commonwealth Athlete of the Year with a Disability
  • 2009 NSW Young Australian of the Year
  • Ambassador - Day of Difference Foundation
  • Ambassador - International Day of People with a Disability

... and on top of all of that, Kurt Fearnley is a teacher - and still even works as a teacher on a casual basis!

So come along to hear more about Kurt Fearnley - his triumphs and his struggles, and how he dealt with it all - and be inspired by one of our most outstanding young Australians.