People with disabilities still often face prejudice; in a world made for able-bodied people, people with disabilities are often overlooked. That’s when our superb Paralympic speakers come in.
Our Paralympic Sports Speakers are available to share their own experiences with disabilities, from equality and prejudice to overcoming adversity, identity, and self-acceptance.
Aaron Phipps’ life took a dramatic turn when he was a teenager when he contracted Meningitis C, leading to life-threatening complications, a two-week induced coma, and the amputation of both legs and most of his fingers. His resilient spirit and perseverance meant his recovery was nothing short of remarkable, and he is now a medal-winning athlete. In 2020, Aaron and his wheelchair-rugby teammates won the first-ever gold medal for Paralympics GB in a team sport event. He is often named the fastest wheelchair rugby player on the planet!
Find out more about Paralympic Sports Speaker Aaron Phipps HERE
Dame Sarah Storey is unusual because she has won Paralympic medals in two different disciplines: Swimming and Cycling. Across the two sports, she has won 17 gold, 8 silver, and 3 bronze medals across eight games. She also holds 29 World Championship titles, 21 European titles, 7 World Cup titles, more than 140 national titles, and a whopping 75 world records! Her career has provided her with a unique and inspiring story, not least because she has also won some of her medals as an able-bodied athlete. As an inspirational keynote speaker, she shows what it takes to push both body and mind to the limit to succeed, even when the odds are against you.
Find out more about Paralympic Sports Speaker Dame Sarah Storey HERE
Jon White’s story is remarkable. In 2010, while on tour in Afghanistan, he accidentally stood on an IED, resulting in him losing three limbs and changing his life forever. Since then, his journey to recovery has seen him learn to walk again and become an accomplished para-athlete and kayaker. He is currently training for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games! He is also an internationally popular motivational speaker, sharing his inspirational story and triumph over adversity to inspire others.
Find out more about Paralympic Sports Speaker Jon White HERE
Jonnie Peacock MBE is a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, two-time World Championship gold medallist, and two-time European Championship gold medallist in the T44 100m. Jonnie hopes to reclaim his title at the Paris 2024 games. Made an MBE in the 2013 Honours List, Jonnie’s personal story of disability and impressive sporting achievements make him one of the most inspirational sporting speakers on the circuit.
Find out more about Paralympic Sports Speaker Jonnie Peacock MBE HERE
From medal-winning Paralympian to popular TV Presenter, Ade Adepitan is often hired to speak at high-profile public engagements, including at the launch of the 2012 Olympic bid. He works extensively in the UK, giving motivational speeches to schools, businesses, and charities about disability and discrimination. Ade is a compelling and inspirational equality speaker and was recognised on the 2020 Powerlist 100 Most Influential Black British People.
Find out more about Paralympic Sports Speaker Ade Adepitan HERE
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is one of Great Britain’s greatest Paralympic athletes, having competed in five games and winning 11 gold medals, 4 silver medals, and 1 bronze. Widely acknowledged as one of the most gifted sportswomen of her generation, she is also a Peer in the House of Lords, a broadcaster, and a motivational speaker. She provides exceptional speeches on teamwork, success and failure, forward vision, and aspiration.
Find out more about Paralympic Sports Speaker Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson HERE
Ellie Simmonds is one of the most well-known British sporting figures and a hugely influential personality. The golden girl of British sport and a five-time Paralympic champion, Ellie was the youngest ever person to be awarded an MBE. She was then awarded an OBE in 2013 for services to Paralympic sport. Since retiring, she has become a TV personality and presenter and helps educate audiences on disability, inclusion and diversity, adversity, and female inspiration.
Find out more about Paralympic Sports Speaker Ellie Simmonds HERE
Former Paralympic swimmer Lord Chris Holmes was awarded an MBE at the age of 20 for his services in swimming for disabled people. One of Great Britain’s most successful Paralympians, he has won an astonishing 15 medals over four games. He is now a member of the House of Lords and a proficient keynote speaker. With varied life experience, Lord Holmes has knowledge of elite sport, inclusion, wellbeing and the workplace, technology, and politics.
Find out more about Paralympic Sports Speaker Lord Chris Holmes HERE
Stef Reid is a five-time world record holder, world champion (London 2017), and triple Paralympic medallist in the long jump (2016, 2012) and 200m sprint (2008). Stef is now an international speaker with a portfolio that includes corporate keynote speeches, guest lecturing, event hosting, and consulting with the Vatican! She inspires and challenges audiences by saying that excellence is possible for everyone.
Find out more about Paralympic Sports Speaker Stef Reid HERE
Ollie Hynd MBE is a three-time Paralympic champion and recipient of one silver and one bronze Paralympic medal. Since he was 16, Ollie has been competing internationally, winning six World Championship medals, 10 European Championship medals, and one Commonwealth medal. Since retiring from the sport in 2021, he has become a freelance marketer and uses his sporting journey to inspire and motivate audiences on topics including adversity, achieving your goals, and improving lives.
Find out more about Paralympic Sports Speaker Ollie Hynd MBE HERE
We also have a wide range of current and former Olympians available for bookings; take a look at some of them HERE or get in touch directly to create a shortlist of talents.