September 25, 2008
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
Carolyn Johnson
(801) 863-8542
In celebration of Disability Awareness Month, Mark Zupan, a Paralympian who recently won a gold medal in Beijing, will be at UVU to speak on “Smashing Stereotypes One Hit at a Time” on Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Ragan Theatre in the Sorensen Center. His speech is free and open to the public and will discuss shattering the stereotypes of those with disabilities and how everyone is capable of accomplishing amazing feats.
“He is a speaker that can motivate students to think differently about disabilities,” said Carolyn Johnson, assistant director of UVU accessibility services. “I want all students to know how to focus on the individual strengths in others and, more importantly, in themselves.”
Zupan was in a car accident in college when he flew out of the back of a pick-up truck, which resulted in him being paralyzed. That didn’t stop him from leading an active life when he started playing wheelchair rugby in college. He was on the bronze-winning U.S. team in Athens 2004 and just recently won the gold in Beijing. Zupan has been named Most Valuable Player four times and has been named U.S. Quad Rugby Association’s Athlete of the Year.
In addition to being an avid wheelchair rugby player, Zupan was also featured in the award-winning film “Murderball”, which won the 2005 Sundance Film Festival’s documentary audience award. Zupan has also written a book, “Gimp,” where he shares his story and struggles in life. Zupan graduated from Georgia Tech in civil engineering.
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College Marketing Contact:
Kim Chapman
(801) 494-7409
Written by:
Britnee Nguyen
(801) 863-8504