Disability Action Week 2007

USQ and Disability Services Queensland presented a speech by Executive Officer for the Queensland Paralympic Committee, Gerrard Gosens, during Disability Action Week. Gerrard Gosens is recognised as one of the most outstanding young people in Australia today. Congenitally blind, Gerrard became Queensland's youngest Guide Dog recipient at age sixteen. Using a lap top computer with speech output to assist his studies, Gerrard achieved an exceptional TE score and gained entrance to the Bachelor of Business course at Queensland University of Technology. Gerrard's commendable academic achievements are matched by his skill and success at sport. Gerrard represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games in the 5000 meters, 10,000 meters and the dreaded marathon, placing sixth in both the 5km and 10km, and seventh in the marathon. Gerrard attempted the reach the summit of Mt Everest in November 2003 and in May 2005. He intends to conquer the mountain in 2009.