From Paralympian to Disability Champion: Karni Liddell on Harnessing Life’s Challenges and Triumphs
As Olympics fever, with all its guts and glory, sweeps across the globe, Sunshine Coast and Noosa locals can look forward to an INsightful and INspiring discussion from former Paralympic champion turned disability activist, journalist, podcaster, clinical social worker, and mum, Karni Liddell, at their upcoming St Andrew’s Institute of Learning’s (SAIL) Engage and Elevate Breakfast.
Taking place at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club on Thursday 15 August from 7am to 9am, this event is part of SAIL’S Engage and Elevate business breakfast series aimed at providing local professionals and students with the chance to gain some profound insights from the life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of some of our community’s most accomplished leaders.
The Olympic Games are a symbol of triumph over adversity which makes the timing of Karni’s upcoming keynote address, Harnessing Choice – Turning Life’s Challenges into Triumphs, absolutely perfect.
Born with a neuro-muscular wasting disease, Karni Liddell was given a grim prognosis by doctors who believed she would never walk or live past her teenage years. Defying all odds, Karni broke her first World Record in swimming at 14 and won medals at every Paralympics she competed in, with her proudest moment as captain of the Number 1 team at the Sydney 2000 Games.
Beyond her sporting triumphs, Karni has raised over $1 million for disability charities, served as the State Manager for the Public Service Commission, and became a National Disability Insurance Scheme Ambassador. She has also been a passionate advocate against domestic violence, a TV presenter, and a successful podcaster.
Her accolades include the Pride of Australia medal, Queensland Teacher and Trainer of the Year, and Bond University Alumni Community Achievement Award. With a Clinical Masters in Social Work and a double Bachelor’s in Communications, Karni continues to inspire as a keynote speaker, even earning a standing ovation for her TED talk.
Inspired to help others make lasting changes in their lives, Karni speaks to thousands of audiences around the world, encouraging them to think differently about how their choices in life shape their health, success, and attitude, despite whatever life throws at them.
She has an infectious and unique attitude on life and is able to deliver powerful, authentic, down-to-earth presentations that authentically capture her experiences of living with a progressive debilitating muscle wasting disease and being labelled as a person who would not live past her teenage years.
If you want to hear more about what this all-round amazing person has to say about choosing to turn life’s challenges into triumphs then book now for SAIL’S Engage and Elevate Business Breakfast and prepare to be inspired.
When: Thursday 15 August from 7am to 9am
Where: Sunshine Beach Surf Club
Ticket price: $45+ GST per adult or $360+ GST for a table of 8. $35+ GST for secondary students.
Includes: Breakfast, tea and coffee.
BOOK
Ticket sales close Sunday 11 August 2024. No refunds after this day.
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About St Andrew’s Institute of Learning (SAIL)
Formed in 2016, the St Andrew’s Institute of Learning (SAIL)is a research and innovation hub embedded within St Andrew’s Anglican College. SAIL aims to foster a culture of courageous collaboration where ideas, expertise and resources are shared. This includes partnerships with other colleges and schools, universities, industry professionals, start-ups and other innovation units from around the globe.
