Paralympian Ryley Batt from Port Macquarie competed in Athens in 2004 and brought back a silver medal from Beijing in 2008. He and his ‘Steelers’ wheelchair rugby team are set to hit the court in London, determined to win a gold medal.

Since Beijing, Ryley has continued to build on his reputation at the greatest wheelchair rugby player on the planet. In 2010, he led the NSW Gladiators to their fifth consecutive Australian Wheelchair Rugby National League title, and also led the San Diego Sharp Edge to a defence of their US National League crown. Ryley was voted Most Valuable Player in each one of these tournaments.

ABC1 is currently televising a series entitled ‘Race to London’ which follows the preparation of six athletes leading up to the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Ryley Batt features heavily in this series alongside Olympic greats Libby Trickett, Drew Ginn and Michael Klim and first time Paralympic swimming hopeful Ahmed Kelly and Para-equestrian Grace Bowman. The series is nearly finished but past episodes can be viewed on www.abc.net.au/iview.

Ryley Batt has shared his inspirational story with school kids across the country and dabbles in motivational speaking for businesses and sporting teams including the Wallabies and the Roosters. To date, these talks have been rare but inspiring.

With only weeks to go before Ryley heads to London, he will share insights into what it takes to mentally and physically prepare for the games at a fundraising event on the July 23 for mayoral hopeful Adam Roberts.

“Adam continues to amaze me with the commitment and the passion he brings to the local community.” Mr Batt said.

For more information on how to meet Ryley and hear his inspirational story, log on to www.adamroberts.com.au.