CAMPUSPEAK

After being paralyzed, it was through being persistent that Jason was able to regain his life and become a Gold Medal Paralypian.

Sports were a major part of Jason Regier’s life when he was growing up. He had dedicated himself to playing soccer year-round since he was 12 years old and dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player.

On September 22, 1996, his life changed forever. While driving from Colorado to Oregon for his final semester of college, Jason was involved in a car accident and suffered a spinal cord injury. Paralyzed from the neck down, Jason would spend the next three-and-a-half months rehabilitating and rebuilding his life.

As he continued his recovery, Jason discovered Quadriplegic “Quad” Rugby. Although intimidating at first, Jason found peer support and the revival of his competitive spirit in the rough sport. He soon began training full-time. Because of the sport and his teammates, Jason recaptured an active and productive life.

He is very active with the United States Paralympic Committee and Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) speaking on behalf of both groups at every opportunity.

Jason serves as a powerful role model for all young people who face daunting challenges in their lives. His good humor, inspirational attitude and story of a long journey back from injury will give college audiences a special perspective on the power of the human spirit.

• Keynotes

• Define Essence:  Know Thyself
• Getting Back in the Game (And Smashing Stereotypes Along the Way)

Define Essence:  Know Thyself

Define Essence: Know Thyself  is about understanding who you are and what you stand for as a fraternity or sorority member. Do you walk the talk, or are you just in it for the T-shirt and a party? 

Understanding the principles, values and experiences that have shaped the person you are today is the first step toward defining your essence. Once we understand the foundation from which we operate, we can also identify the direction we would like to head.

In this keynote, Jason will discuss why principles matter today and how to build a solid foundation that will lead to success in life and career. Also, students will be charged with being true with themselves, utilizing their strengths and talents in order to make positive change in the community.

At everyone’s core we have an essence that makes us who we are. “Know Thyself” is one of the most important things that students need to understand before they graduate. Living the principles and values is the key to survival for Greek organizations in the 21st century.

Getting Back in the Game (And Smashing Stereotypes Along the Way)

In his campus keynote, Getting Back in the Game (And Smashing Stereotypes Along the Way), Jason stresses the importance of having a positive mental outlook in athletics and in life.

“Am I paralyzed from the neck up or from the neck down?” is the ultimate question Jason asks, sharing the obstacles and struggles he overcame on the road from complete paralysis to a Paralympic gold medal. Jason challenges students to live a life of no excuses, and inspires them to overcome hurdles and achieve goals.

“It’s about taking one step forward each day,” he tells audiences. “That might be strange advice from a guy in a wheelchair, but taking one step forward each day in my recovery has become a theme for my life. Every day, tell yourself to become a little better, a little more able, a little closer to something great.”

Jason is the perfect choice for any campus motivation program. He is a popular choice for student-athletes, disability awareness events and orientation keynotes. Jason is also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and would be an excellent choice for an inspiring keynote for your fraternity and sorority community.

Jason's Bio

Jason has been playing Quad Rugby for over 10 years. He was first introduced to the game while in rehab at Craig Hospital in Englewood, CO. He first tried out for a developmental national team in 1999. After being cut from four full national teams, he finally made a developmental team in 2005 and the full Paralympic team in 2006. Jason earned a gold medal in Beijing as a member of the 2008 U.S.Paralympic Team and was named U.S. Quad Rugby Association’s Athlete of the Year for 2008. He’d like to continue on with the team to the 2012 Paralympics in London.

Off the court, Jason has earned a dual masters degree with an MBA and MS in Marketing from the University of Colorado. He has helped to run his club team as president of the Denver Harlequins Wheelchair Rugby team for the past 10 years. He has also served on the United States Quad Rugby Association as vice president for the past five years. He owns his own company, Spellbynder, which focuses on public speaking.

Jason says playing rugby has been the biggest influence in returning to an active lifestyle and recapturing life after his injury.