Paralympian visits school

Paralympian Marty Mayberry visited St John the Baptist Catholic School on Wednesday, May 29.

"The interesting thing about Marty is when you first meet him, depending on what he is wearing, his disability is not apparent," said assistant principal Ms Yvette Owens.

"I met him in our school foyer and was bewildered as to what his disability was; he seemed to be physically fit and healthy.

"Dressed in a tracksuit, he presented as a tall, good looking young man who was articulate and confident.

"He spoke to the students, telling them about the Paralympic movement and his involvement as an athlete.

"At this point his disability was still not obvious.

"Marty then told the students that at the age of 16 he contracted meningococcal disease.

To save his life the doctors had to amputate both his legs.

He uses prostheses for both limbs.

"Marty brought with him the silver medal he won at the last Paralympics.

"The students and staff alike were struck by this man's ability and attitude to life in the face of adversity.

"It was wonderful for them to see that.

"This was a valuable experience for our students and an opportunity to learn that, no matter what, almost anything can be achieved," she said.

The visit was part of the Paralympic Education Program, which allows schools the opportunity to have a Paralympian visit them and talk to students about their life and Paralympic experiences.

"Initially, they were not able to accommodate us but fortunately for us another school had to withdraw, so we jumped at the opportunity," said Ms Owens.

Email, 26 Jun 2011 Yvette Owens, St Johns School