Show and Tell
This might surprise you - it surprises me - but after 30 years of playing wheelchair basketball, I’m enjoying it as much as I ever have. That’s why, at my advanced paternal age, I recently decided to continue training and competing with Team Canada.
Not only this. Alongside this commitment to stay at the top of my game on the court, I’m also committed to bringing the same level of hard work and creativity to another challenging, exciting, and sweaty sport - inspirational speaking.
I don’t remember exactly when it started, but over the years, I’ve been asked many times to get up in front of a group of people and talk about my life in wheelchair basketball, my career as a high performance athlete, and my story as a person with a disability. And almost just as many times, I’ve been tempted to say no, because speaking in front of people makes me nervous. Afraid I won’t be perfect.
But somehow, I always find myself saying yes. Having an audience, whether in a classroom, a boardroom, or locker room, is a privilege. I get to share stories and insights about pursuing excellence and facing adversity - hopefully expanding people’s ideas and perspectives, and ultimately, encouraging them on their journey.
And so, with 5 Paralympics behind me, and hopefully another one in front of me, I also see this as a chance for me to broaden and deepen awareness of the Paralympic movement and adaptive sport, and to share my enduring love for wheelchair basketball.
If you or anyone in your circle is interested in booking me to speak, please get in touch.
info@patanderson.ca
The Drive (3 min)
Ruling the Court (5 min)
The Doc (45 min)
info@patanderson.ca
