Create an experience with Bridie Kean

Bridie is a two time Paralympian. At age two she was exposed to a childhood of healthcare, when she became an amputee and had both her feet partially amputated as a result of the deadly virus, Meningococcal Septacemia. When Bridie was 15 when she travelled to the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games and was exposed to Wheelchair Basketball. She returned home to Melbourne inspired to start playing Wheelchair Basketball. Bridie believes Wheelchair Basketball 'changing her life' is an understatement. Overcoming and facing challenges, life lessons, travel, study, relationships, teamwork and purpose are what comes to mind when Bridie is asked how the sport has changed her life. In 2012, she was honoured to captain the Paralympic Silver Medallist team, the Australian Gliders, at the Paralympic Games in London. Last year Bridie played Wheelchair Basketball professionally for Hamburg HSV in the German first division until April 2013 where she returned home with a German Championship. Now, training between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, driving her every day is the dream and focus of winning a Gold Medal with the Australian Gliders in Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Basketball has also opened up study opportunities for Bridie; she obtained a full athletic scholarship at the U.S institution University of Illinois in the Wheelchair Basketball program. Bridie completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois and played in the collegiate division throughout her degree. Bridie has also completed her Master in Public Health at the University of Queensland. Her belief in the ability for participation in physical activity to improve health outcomes and increase quality of life, has led her to pursue further research in this area. She is currently completing a PhD in Health Promotion at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She is also currently a tutor at the University of Sunshine Coast, teaching Behavioural Health and Introduction to Public Health. An experienced speaker, Bridie has experience in lecturing and teaching in academic institutions as well delivering motivational speeches to a range of corporate organisations, schools and government audiences. Bridie speaks on a range of topics including her experiences as an elite athlete, her experiences growing up with a disability and pursuing her dream and research she is conducting in the public health sphere.

• Winning a silver medal in the 2012 London Paralympic Games, where Bridie was captain of the team, 2012
• MVP for finals series, alongside winning first Australian National title with Queensland Minecraft Comets, September 2014
• Representing Australia at her first Paralympic Games in Beijing, 2008