Speaker John Coutis talks on power of adversity

HAVING faced his own trials at school, inspirational speaker John Coutis will be speaking on the importance of kindness during his tour of Toowoomba this week.

John Coutis will be speaking on the importance of kindness during his tour of Toowoomba this week.

HAVING faced his own trials at school, inspirational speaker John Coutis will be speaking on the importance of kindness during his tour of Toowoomba this week.

Mr Coutis, who was born with a severe physical disability that left him without the lower part of his body, travels the country teaching others to live life to the fullest.

This week he will be visiting Toowoomba State High School and Harristown State High School, where he will take to the stage on his custom-made skateboard.

"When I was a student I was one of the first with a major disability to be integrated into the system," Mr Coutis said.

"I can say I didn't have the easiest time at school - I didn't have a lot of friends and I spent a lot of the time sitting alone.

"I will be talking about the importance of resilience and goal setting, and of course, one of the biggest topics for me - treating people as you wish to be treated." 

Mr Coutis will delivering two presentations at each school, one to students from years 7 - 9 and one to the senior cohort.

"I want people to get the best out of their lives," he said.

"I know sometimes with teenagers they miss the concept on how to treat each other the right way, so I will be trying to drive home an anti-bullying message."

Mr Coutis will be visiting Toowoomba State High School today and Harristown State High School on Wednesday.

Originally published as Speaker John Coutis talks on power of adversity