Cam Calkoen
Cam Calkoen's cup is definitely half full and there's not much stopping this guy from achieving his dreams.
As Cam says; 'Dream big, because with big dreams comes a big life!'
Born with cerebral palsy it would be easy to focus on all the 'can't do's' in Cam's life, particularly with Cam's passion - athletics.
Cam's gut-wrenchingly honest story of how he pushed through his physical limitations and set his own goals which would one day find him representing New Zealand in athletics.
Achieving this is accomplishment enough, right? It would be easy to stop here and time to hang up your sports shoes. But not for Cam, he pushed further - winning championships in New Zealand, Australia and Canada and taking his winning attitude into environments that encourage others to achieve their personal best. From projects that enhance relations amongst people of the world, through to continually pushing through personal, physical and emotional barriers, Cam ensures each day is lived to the max.
Cam's philosophies, values and dynamic vision have taken him to Japan, building a tuberculosis ward and a library in Vanuatu and regularly having his leadership recognised in the form of awards and scholarships.
In 2006 Cam became one of the youngest recipients worldwide of a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary. At 21 this prestigious award, which he has now received not once, but twice, recognised the significant contribution Cam had made in turning a community's dream - YES Disability Resource Centre, into reality. As the project's ambassador, Cam was the figurehead of a four million dollar project. During this time he saw the potential in linking his ever-growing network together with young disabled people so they too could develop the tools and processes to realise their dreams. Further to this, Cam has founded the Carabiner Mentoring programme for people with disabilities.
Cam's charisma, spark, passion and ability to motivate has seen him speak in front of audiences around the world, from the Prime Minister's Social Hero Awards in NZ, to Cabinet Officers in Japan, villages in Vanuatu and corporate offices in New York, through to sports clubs and major conferences throughout the world.
Today Cam motivates people from all backgrounds to dream BIG, because with big dreams comes a big life!
Cam Calkoen's cup is definitely half full and there's not much stopping this guy from achieving his dreams.
As Cam says; 'Dream big, because with big dreams comes a big life!'
Born with cerebral palsy it would be easy to focus on all the 'can't do's' in Cam's life, particularly with Cam's passion - athletics.
Cam's gut-wrenchingly honest story of how he pushed through his physical limitations and set his own goals which would one day find him representing New Zealand in athletics.
Achieving this is accomplishment enough, right? It would be easy to stop here and time to hang up your sports shoes. But not for Cam, he pushed further - winning championships in New Zealand, Australia and Canada and taking his winning attitude into environments that encourage others to achieve their personal best. From projects that enhance relations amongst people of the world, through to continually pushing through personal, physical and emotional barriers, Cam ensures each day is lived to the max.
Cam's philosophies, values and dynamic vision have taken him to Japan, building a tuberculosis ward and a library in Vanuatu and regularly having his leadership recognised in the form of awards and scholarships.
In 2006 Cam became one of the youngest recipients worldwide of a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary. At 21 this prestigious award, which he has now received not once, but twice, recognised the significant contribution Cam had made in turning a community's dream - YES Disability Resource Centre, into reality. As the project's ambassador, Cam was the figurehead of a four million dollar project. During this time he saw the potential in linking his ever-growing network together with young disabled people so they too could develop the tools and processes to realise their dreams. Further to this, Cam has founded the Carabiner Mentoring programme for people with disabilities.
Cam's charisma, spark, passion and ability to motivate has seen him speak in front of audiences around the world, from the Prime Minister's Social Hero Awards in NZ, to Cabinet Officers in Japan, villages in Vanuatu and corporate offices in New York, through to sports clubs and major conferences throughout the world.
Today Cam motivates people from all backgrounds to dream BIG, because with big dreams comes a big life!
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