Courage has a new name… Beau Vernon
In his last five years as an ALF coach, Beau Vernon has reached 5 Grand Finals, winning 3 Premierships in a row at 2 different clubs. A truly remarkable feat, especially when you consider that Beau is living with quadriplegia.
At the height of his AFL career, Beau was left wheelchair-bound at just 23 after an unfortunate on-field tackle, leaving him without function of his fingers or with any movement from the chest down.
During his 8 months of living in hospital and rehabilitation, Beau worked fearlessly to make the most of his limited upper body movement. His unwavering strength and courage kept him focussed on his new challenge, leading an exceptional life regardless of the disability.
Beau has used his accident as a tool to strengthen his resilience and help others. He’s now the director of a disability company, Interact Australia, working to help people with disabilities integrate into the workforce. He’s also an ambassador for Team 22, which focuses on practical and psychological support for quadriplegics. On top of all that, he’s a doting father of two.
Champions come in many different forms and Beau is a champion whose journey has changed his life, the lives of his community and audiences who listen to his unbelievable story of hope and happiness.
© ICMI Speakers & Entertainers
