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Chris Koch Dares Students to be Different

Apr 14, 2016 | 4:04 PM

LETHBRIDGE – “Everybody is capable of absolutely everything,” is the mantra spoken by Chris Koch, the motivational speaker as he visits hundreds of students in gymnasiums across Canada.

Wilson Middle School was the latest stop for the local farm boy, turned world traveler in his “If I can,” tour.

Students grades five-to-seven were invited to learn about leadership from the motivational speaker who was born missing both his arms and legs.

Raised in Nanton, Koch said that he enjoys speaking in his community and spreading his message of courage, optimism and determination.

“If a guy with no arms and legs can travel the world, snowboard, surf, work on a farm and just live a happy, independent and complete life anybody is capable of anything,” he laughed.

Koch said that he sees his exceptionality as an attribute that has helped him reach out to children struggling with depression.

“A lot of people hold themselves back for fear of failure, when there is nothing wrong with failure. Don’t cheat yourself on opportunities because you are worried about self-image,” he said.

While he did not shy away from sharing stories of sadness, Koch kept things light but insightful telling his audience that confidence has been his secret ingredient to success.

Along with stories aimed at challenging students to dream big and practice self-acceptance, Koch also demonstrated how he completes daily tasks by riding his longboard as his preferred method of transportation.

The presentation also included snippets from Koch’s travel videos of the part-time adventurer swimming with sharks and bungee jumping.

Brad Greve, Wilson Middle School grade eight teacher, said that the conference welcomed Koch’s “dare to be different” approach as a tool to inspire children during a critical time in their lives.

“There are barriers to confidence as middle school can be an awkward time, but if kids can put away group mentality and focus on themselves they will have fewer problems,” he said.

Koch will participate in many charity events across southern Alberta this spring. 

For more information visit http://www.ifican.ca/.