Category Matt Levy   Show all

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

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  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

  
  

  
  

• Disability Inclusion Author Talk Series: Matt Levy OAM PLY 'Going the Distance'

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  Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability invites you to attend our Author Talk event on disability and resilience, with esteemed guest Matt Levy OAM PLY, Australian paralympian and author of Going the Distance.

  In 1987, Matt Levy was born prematurely at 25 weeks. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and severe visual impairment and has undergone 40-50 surgeries on vital organs. Matt’s determination and resilience led him to a career in swimming, where he proudly clinched gold for Australia at the Paralympic Games.

  Representing his nation at five consecutive Paralympic Games, Matt has won 3 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze medals. His dominance extends further, having graced the pools at five World Swimming Championships, securing 20 international medals and holding 4 World Records.

  Matt’s contributions to sport were honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2014 for ‘service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. In 2015 Matt was named Athlete of the Year with a Disability at the New South Wales Sports Awards and in 2018 he was named Swimming Australia’s Paralympic Program Swimmer of the Year. In November 2021, he received a New South Wales Institute of Sport Academic Excellence Award and was named the 2021 Sport NSW Athlete of the Year with a Disability.

  Since retiring from the pool, Matt has authored 3 books, including: ‘Keeping your head above water’ (2020), ‘Brandon Dreams Big: 7 easy steps to get where you want’ (2021), and ‘Going the distance: Identify and create your own lane to success’ (2023). More recently, Matt has turned his hand to philanthropy and supporting young people with disability to achieve their own dreams and goals through education, including becoming a patron of the Griffith University Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship.
  
  

  Event Details
  
  Date: Tuesday, 27 February 2024

  Time: 11.20am – 12.30pm

  Venue: N53, -1.22 Nathan Campus, Griffith University

  Map: https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/244976/nathan-campus-map.pdf

  Accessibility: This event will be accessible including being held in an accessible space, complete with accessible parking (limited), live captioning, Auslan Interpreting, and with a PowerPoint which can be shared ahead of the presentation. A transcript will be available after the event. Please note any accessibility or dietary requirements on your registration.

  RSVP:
  Please confirm your attendance before Thursday, 22 February 2024.

  Click on this link to register your interest or use the QR Code below.

  Contact us:

  inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

  
  

  

• International Day of People with Disability 2023 – Matt Levy: From Premature Birth to Paralympic Gold

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  International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations observed day held on 3 December each year. The IDPwD program aligns with Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 and aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.

  The United Nations Theme for IDPwD 2023 is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’ This year, we introduce IDPwD Ambassador, Matt Levy OAM, Patron of the Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship at Griffith University.
  
  

  In 1987, Matt Levy was born prematurely at 25 weeks. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and severe visual impairment and has undergone 40-50 surgeries on various vital organs. Matt's determination and resilience led him to a career in swimming, where he proudly clinched gold for Australia at the Paralympic Games.

  Representing his nation at five consecutive Paralympic Games, Matt has won 3 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze medals. His dominance extends further, having graced the pools at five World Swimming Championships, securing an 20 international medals and holding 4 World Records.

  Matt’s contributions to sport were honoured with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2014 for ‘service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. In 2015 Matt was named Athlete of the Year with a Disability at the New South Wales Sports Awards and in 2018 he was named Swimming Australia’s Paralympic Program Swimmer of the Year. In November 2021, he received a New South Wales Institute of Sport Academic Excellence Award and was named the 2021 Sport NSW Athlete of the Year with a Disability.

  Yet, Matt's achievements aren't confined to the pool. He has earnt a degree in Business Management, an Australian Institute of Company Directors qualification, and an MBA in Leadership. He is a passionate inclusion advocate, motivational speaker and holds multiple board, advisory and ambassadorial roles with sporting, community and humanitarian organisations including Ability Options, Life Little Treasures and BlindSports Australia.

  Since retiring from the pool, Matt has authored 3 books, including: ‘Keeping your head above water’ (2020), ‘Brandon Dreams Big: 7 easy steps to get where you want’ (2021), and ‘Going the distance: Identify and create your own lane to success’ (2023).

  More recently, Matt has turned his hand to philanthropy and supporting young people with disability to achieve their own dreams and goals through education.

  “Education has allowed me to grow and enhance what I've been able to learn and, how I can use my lived experience of disability to influence others. As part of this, it was also my mission to help other people with disability to obtain a university education.”

  To Matt, International Day of People Disability (IDPwD) is “about having a sense of responsibility and belonging. A chance to give people an insight into what we go through on a daily basis. Not to feel bitter, but to help raise awareness of what can be done. I know how hard it is for someone living with a disability, so I wanted to give people opportunities that I was given”.

  As a result, Matt established the Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship to support students with disability to achieve their potential at Griffith University. Open to Australian, domestic commencing students (full time or part time) enrolled in an undergraduate program, the scholarship provides up to $20,000, payable over the duration of the degree.

  This year the Matt Levy Scholarship supported two (2) commencing students with disability; including Lilje Schluter, who is studying a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

  "Being a recipient of this scholarship has allowed me to afford regular access to psychology and psychiatry sessions. Not only has this greatly aided me in learning and adjusting to my first year of tertiary studies, but the support of the scholarship continues to help me move forward each and every day, which is an invaluable gift".

  Matt Levy's life stands as a testament to determination, inspiring individuals worldwide to overcome adversity and achieve goals. On Tuesday, 27 February 2024, Matt will be the guest speaker at our Inclusive Futures Book Club – Author Talk event, where he will share his story, and discuss his latest book ‘Going the Distance’ with students and guests during O-Week (Nathan Campus). If you are interested in attending, please email us at inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au.

  You can also sign up for our newsletter, or keep an eye on our website for announcements.

  Find out more about our Inclusive Futures Book club:

  https://inclusivefutures.griffith.edu.au/inclusive-futures-book-club