by Gail Ruscetta, Bike Newport Community Educator
In a community event hosted by Bike Newport and the Newport County YMCA, Chris Waddell—Paralympic legend, motivational speaker, and advocate—captivated Aquidneck Island audiences with his story of resilience and redefining human potential.
Waddell gave a presentation to the general public Sunday night at OceanPointe Church in Middletown, and spoke to all Thompson Middle School students in Newport on Monday.
Many thanks to OceanPointe for generously donating their beautiful auditorium and to the Newport School District for accommodating this inspiring program for our students!
Waddell, paralyzed from the waist down following a skiing accident, has defied limits to achieve extraordinary feats. A 13-time Paralympic medalist, Hall of Famer, and the first nearly unassisted paraplegic to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro in a handcycle, Waddell is a global symbol of tenacity and hope. His mission, he explained, is to shift perceptions of disability by showing that “it’s not what happens to you, but what you do with what happens” that defines success.
Bike Newport and the Newport County YMCA together organized the event as part of their combined outreach to inspire active lifestyles, remove barriers and promote inclusion. Programs at Bike Newport and the Newport County YMCA align closely with Waddell’s commitment to empowering individuals to overcome challenges.
Waddell’s presentation resonated with attendees. “Climbing Kilimanjaro wasn’t just about reaching the summit,” he shared, “but about proving that challenges are universal and surmountable.”
Thompson Middle school students shared their enthusiasm:
“He was very inspirational. I learned that even though I might fail, I need to keep trying. That was amazing. Thank you!” – Ernie Smith
“He was really strong and did what he wanted to do in life. He taught me never to give up” – Rome Patterson
“You’re the Champ! You inspire me to never give up, that I shouldn’t stop what I’m doing and to not listen to other people’s negativity. You taught me that I could inspire someone else.” – Emile Boulden
Learn about Chris Waddell’s journey at chriswaddellinc.com.
Bike Newport