October 1, 2009

SUBJECT: MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER MIKE SCHLAPPI TO APPEAR AT COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

By: Rebecca Wright

          College of the Ozarks will host a convocation featuring Mike Schlappi, Paralympics Medalist in USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball, on Wednesday October 28, at 7 p.m., in Jones Auditorium.

          At the age of 14, Schlappi had expectations of a career in sports as a top notch athlete. A gunshot to the chest at point blank range challenged his dreams. He would never walk again. After months of rigorous physical therapy, he began playing basketball from his wheelchair and went on to become a standout athlete.

          Schlappi earned a master’s degree in Business Administration and Health Care from Arizona State University and successfully authored two inspirational books Bulletproof Principles for Personal Success and Motivational Leaders. He served on the Board of Trustees for the 2002 Olympic Games, won two gold medals and was honored by the State of Utah as one of its Top 50 Athletes of the Century.

          Schlappi and his wife Tami are the proud parents of five children and currently reside in Draper, Utah. They enjoy hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping and being together as a family.

          Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but any seats left open will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please call the Dean of Students Office at (417) 690-2224.

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