Mike Schlappi

“Just because you can’t stand up, doesn’t mean you can’t stand out.” Mike Schlappi, who at age 14 was expected to have a career in professional sports, was told that he would never walk again following a tragic shooting accident. After rigorous months of physical therapy, Schlappi began playing basketball from his wheelchair and went on to excel as a standout athlete.

The two-time World Champion in Wheelchair Basketball, Schlappi is the only wheelchair basketball player in the United States to have competed on four consecutive summer Paralympic teams (in Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta, and Sydney). In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, he served as their Olympic Torch Bearer and the Monoco Placard Bearer for the Opening Ceremonies. He is the author of two inspirational books, Bulletproof Principles for Personal Success and Motivational Leaders.

Currently a managing partner at a financial planning firm, Schlappi graduated with a master’s degree in business administration and healthcare from Arizona State University. He has been awarded the American Medical Association’s Special People Award, the Golden Key Athlete of the Year Award, and The Sporting Good Manufacturer of America’s Heroes Award. Schlappi is the founder and director of the Wheelchair Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization providing opportunities in sports and recreation for disabled athletes. He’s spent 10 years as the Director of Rehabilitation at IHC.

A powerful example of triumph in the face of challenge, Schlappi’s motivational story empowers people of all ages and all walks of life – from the classroom to the boardroom – to take ownership of their attitudes and overcome difficult circumstances.