Inclusive Futures Author Talk Series: Matt Levy OAM PLY "Going the Distance: Identify and create your own lane to success"

Disability Inclusion Author Talk Series: With guest speaker, Matt Levy OAM PLY Paralympian and author of ‘Going the Distance: Identify and create your own lane to success’. Hosted by Dr Maretta Mann.

Matt Levy OAM PLY with Dr. Maretta Mann

Last Tuesday, 27 February, Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability hosted esteemed guest Matt Levy OAM PLY, Australian Paralympian and author of “Going the Distance”.

In his talk, Matt shared his life journey, marked by early challenges due to being born prematurely with cerebral palsy, and emphasised the transformative role of swimming therapy in overcoming his physical limitations. Matt also discussed the impact of cerebral palsy on his daily life, highlighting the importance of recognising that disabilities affect individuals differently.

From top left to right: Matt Levy OAM; Julia Robertson together with Matt Levy and Mark Berridge; Attendees at the Author Talk held at Nathan Campus, Griffith University.

Matt has developed a framework based on his experiences. He stressed the significance of setting manageable goals, driven by passion and belief. He told us the story of where it all started for him, when he was left behind at the pool after the school swimming carnival. He found a way to navigate across Sydney via public transport to get home that took him over three hours and it taught him a crucial lesson in goal-setting.

Matt also detailed his remarkable achievements, participating in five Paralympic Games, emphasising that the journey and the learning experiences matter more than the accolades. Matt also reflected on a pivotal moment during the 2008 Paralympic Games when he realised the need for a change in attitude and commitment to continuous improvement.

He delved into the importance of having a dream, a desire, and creating tools for success. Matt shared the necessity of focusing on the purpose behind one's actions, particularly during challenging days, and encouraged attendees to make the most out of every moment, whether positive or negative.

Matt introduced his ‘action plan’, breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable steps, and underscored the importance of simplicity and a focused approach in achieving success, drawing parallels between his training sessions and broader life goals.

Matt also emphasied the role of a supportive team, including family, friends, colleagues, and coaches, in personal growth., and highlighted the significance of engaging with one's inner circle through meaningful conversations, collaborations, and shared experiences.

Wapping up a most impactful Author Talk, Matt concluded by stressing the value of lifting each other higher and turning negatives into positives through supportive relationships.

I was so inspired by Matt, who has achieved so much success by following a process of setting goals and then working towards them, and also of approaching the setbacks or disappointments as an opportunity for reflection, learning and growth.

Matt also encouraged others not to compare themselves with others, but to follow one’s own path.

I think everyone in the room left feeling encouraged by Matt’s practical and inspiring approach to reaching your potential.

From top left to right: Prof. David Thiel; Cathy Easte, Tara Horner and Matt Levy OAM PLY, Captioner Roxane Lane; and Nathaniel Audley, Tara Horner, Maureen Sullivan and Mark Berridge.

TRANSCRIPT:

If you wish to obtain a transcript of Matt’s keynote talk, please email the Inclusive Futures: Reimagining team at: inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Our next Author Talk guest is the highly esteemed Mary Li – Principal Repetiteur and Ballet Mistress with the Queensland Ballet and author of “Mary’s Last Dance”, to be held on Wednesday, 3 April 11.30am-1.30pm, at the Queensland Conservatorium (QCGU) Foyer, SO1, Southbank Campus, Griffith University.

Register for this FREE and inclusive event on this link: https://shorturl.at/JOV46