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TAMPA -- Kevin Saunders, a motivational coach and inspirational speaker, will address the University of South Florida football team about overcoming adversity, breaking barriers and transcending limitations on Wednesday when 2009 newcomers report.
Saunders will share his personal story of tragedy to triumph and help inspire the players to display their courage by sacrificing more, working harder and smarter than anyone else, overcoming life's adversities by making the right choices and never giving up regardless of obstacles. Saunders and head coach Jim Leavitt both agree that there's no shortcut to success, but good old-fashioned hard work!
Leavitt and Saunders met while working with the Kansas State football team and head coach Bill Snyder from 1991 to 1995 in what was later referred to as the greatest turnaround in college football history. Leavitt was the co-defensive coordinator at Kansas State and Saunders was the motivation coach for the team.
When Leavitt heard that Saunders was moving his speaking more towards football teams, his immediate response was, "When can I get him down here to speak to the team?" Saunders was excited to see his old friend again and speak to a squad that he believes has tremendous potential this year.
Saunders' incredible journey of survival and triumph began when he was paralyzed by a grain elevator explosion as a young man. Though the doctor told him that there was no hope, against all odds Saunders survived. Paralyzed from the chest down, he struggled to find a new meaning and focus for his life. Abused and abandoned by his young wife, his life fell into disarray. Divorced, bankrupt, and utterly alone, Saunders fell into a deep depression.
VoiceAmerica radio show co-host Sheryl Dawson shared, "Rather than remain miserable, Kevin sharpened his body and mind to become a world class athletic competitor. Now he teaches his audiences around the world to move forward in spite of whatever challenge they may face."
Saunders has received more than 100 commendations, proclamations and awards for his work to improve health and fitness, education and sports in America and around the world. Saunders has competed in more than 700 races, winning hundreds of medals. He is the author of several books including "There's Always a Way," "Mission Possible," "Conversations in Health" and the just recently released "Blueprint for Success." He's inspired more than 5,000 groups including more than 1,000 schools around the world.
In a recent interview May 18, 2009, on VoiceAmerica ? Total Career Success, co-host Ken Dawson added, "If you want to be inspired, listen to the wisdom of Kevin Saunders. Kevin has an incredible story of turning agony into ecstasy, as the saying goes! His nonstop energy and genuine enthusiasm are contagious. Learn the secrets of overcoming obstacles and using your life's battles to become a winner."
Kevin Saunders: Health, Fitness and Sports Advocate, Motivational Coach, Author and Inspirational Speaker
In 1989 Saunders worked alongside Tom Cruise and Oliver Stone as a principal actor to feature in the major studio release "Born on the Fourth of July," an Academy Award-winning movie directed by Stone.
From 1991 to 1995 Saunders worked with Snyder and the Kansas State University football team, where he served as the inspirational / motivational coach during what was to become known as the greatest turnaround in college football history. In 1993 at Kansas State, Snyder created the "Kevin Saunders Never Give Up Award," a team award given to the player who displayed the most courage, determination, dedication and perseverance in the pursuit of team goals.
Saunders was the first person with a disability appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports by President George H. W. Bush and was the only member retained and reappointed by President Bill Clinton. More recently, Saunders pushed his wheelchair over 2,500 miles across America to promote health and fitness. Later, he wheeled himself through portions of five countries in Europe, serving as an international ambassador for health and fitness to encourage active lifestyles.
Saunders received his Bachelor of Science in agriculture from Kansas State University. After his accident, Saunders attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he earned an associate's degree in kinesiology and acting. In 2000 Del Mar selected Saunders to its Wall of Honor as an outstanding alumnus. During that same year, he was invited to Washington, D.C., and presented the Outstanding Alumni Award from the America Association of Community Colleges.
For more information, visit www.KevinSaunders.com
