Why is an individual willing to give up their personal time to help others? Good morning/afternoon to all members of the Australian of the Year committee. Today I will be speaking about an Australian Inspiration, Kurt Fearnley, however, what contributions has he genuinely made to the Australian community? The Australian of the Year award is a significant award ceremony to give recognition to those in the nation that have made notable contributions to communities and individuals alike. The award ceremony recognises cultures, human equality, certain organisations, and involvement in communities. The award also recognises significant values, attitudes, and beliefs that can be found in a citizen. When Kurt Fearnley was born, he was diagnosed with …show more content…
Kurt Fearnley has exemplified superiority in his field by competing in both the Paralympic and the Commonwealth Games. Kurt succeeded in winning five gold, nine silver, and 2 bronze medals throughout his career as a Paralympian. Kurt has also won many community-based awards, sporting awards, and has gained a position in multiple halls of fames. Kurt has inspired the Australian community by crawling the Kokoda Trail to raise awareness for men’s mental health, he has shown support those that have a disability and those without a goal to work towards in life. Kurt has won over 16 awards and that number will most definitely continue to climb throughout his life. The awards have ranged from community founded organisation awards to national Australian awards. Kurt Fearnley is an inspiring Australian due to the fact that he has raised money for those in need and he has assisted and supported those with a disability by raising awareness for different …show more content…
Kurt inspired a young man by the name of Waryk Holmes who was diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy soon after his birth. Soon after Kurt shared his story to Waryk, he was inspired to compete in wheelchair racing in his local town. Waryk has now gone on to win the under 20’s gold in the 100 metres wheelchair race at the Athletics ACT Championships and has achieved and accomplished many of his life goals due to Kurt’s sympathy and understanding. Kurt’s overall personality displays characteristics that can change people’s lives by showing courage, support, compassion, and resilience to everyone that he meets throughout his life.Kurt Fearnley has and most likely will continue to impact communities and people throughout Australia. After retiring, Kurt has gone on to become a representative for Paralympics Australia, and he is a committed board member for the International Paralympic Committee’s Athlete Advisory Council. Kurt has also continued his career as a qualified physical education teacher at a primary school in