Grant “Scooter” Patterson shares inspiring message at homecoming

He is best known for being a fun-loving larrikin with a cheeky sense of humour, but something special happens when Grant “Scooter” Patterson takes the microphone.

He is best known for being a fun-loving larrikin with a cheeky sense of humour, but something special happens when Grant “Scooter” Patterson takes the microphone.

The dual Tokyo Paralympics medallist was presented with the Keys to the City at a special public celebration on Friday at Tobruk Memorial Pool.

And while the more than 500 people in attendance lapped up the Cairns swimming legend’s sly quips and witticisms, it was his parting words that left a lasting impression on the audience.

“My outlook is like a hand of cards in a poker game,” Patterson said.

Duel Paralympic medallist Grant "Scooter" Patterson was honoured as the unofficial Mayor of Cairns for the afternoon when Bob Manning gave the swimmer the Keys to the City at a ceremony held at Tobruk Pool. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Everyone gets dealt a different hand of cards in life – a lot of people would say I got dealt a crap hand, I like to say a ‘challenging’ hand.

“We all have a choice in life whether or not to fold, call or to raise.

“Fold is to admit defeat, not giving yourself any chances in life to reach your full potential. Call is to sit back in life and play the safe card and take no risks. And raise is to go out on a limb and make something from nothing.

“With what I’ve done in Tokyo and in all my future adventures, I hope to inspire and motivate everyone here today and continue to inspire and motivate everyone in Cairns, Australia and the world.

“Not just to settle for second-best, but to let you all know that every one of you can set your goals as high in the sky as you possibly can, and it's up to each of you how far you’re willing to climb to reach them.

“The future is in your hands.”

Patterson wasn’t the only Australian swimming legend at the event, with four-time Olympic gold medallist Dawn Fraser among those at Patterson’s special homecoming.

Dual Paralympic medallist Grant “Scooter” Patterson was honoured as the unofficial Mayor of Cairns for the afternoon when Bob Manning gave the swimmer the Keys to the City at a ceremony held at Tobruk Pool. Grant “Scooter” Patterson with Olympic swimming legend Dawn Fraser, Cairns Mayor Bob Manning, his parents Shelley and Steven Patterson and swimming coach Andrew “Herbie” Howard. Picture: Brendan Radke

Fraser had the honour of giving Patterson a lifetime membership to Tobruk Memorial Pool.

“He’s an inspiration to a lot of people and it was going to be a nice surprise for him so I flew up,” Fraser said.

“He was nearly shedding a tear and I said ‘no tears, mate, not today’. I had a bit to do with him with the trials and the mentoring of him … so it’s a pleasure to see him winning these medals and being so excited. It’s fantastic what the Cairns people have done for him and it’s a credit to him too.”

As part of the celebrations, Patterson received video messages from para-swimmer and best mate Ahmed Kelly, wheelchair racer and “inspiration” Kurt Fearnley and Brisbane Lions captain Dayne Zorko.

Patterson claimed bronze in the 150m medley and silver in 50m breaststroke at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Originally published as Grant “Scooter” Patterson shares inspiring message at homecoming