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(Image Credit: Classroom Champions/Facebook.)
By Curtis Galbraith
Classroom Champions

Riverstone students to hear presentation from three-time Paralympian on Tuesday

Apr 21, 2026 | 6:01 AM

Some Grade 3 to 7 students at Grande Prairie’s Riverstone Public School will be part of a Classroom Champions presentation with a decorated Paralympian today (Tuesday, April 21).

Wheelchair racer Austin Smeenk says he wants to tell them that “every kid is a champion in something, in some way.”

“If you fail to reach the highest level of something you might be capable in, the odds are you’re in the wrong environment, or you’re in the wrong sport.”

“Really, everybody is suited to do something incredibly well.”

He adds this “doesn’t necessarily need to be anything athletic.”

“It can be academic. It can be social and within (a) community.”

“I really just want people to be the best version of themselves and one that’s authentic to who they are.”

Smeenk wants the kids to take inspiration away from his presentation.

“Me coming in as a Paralympian, right on the heels of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, is a powerful time for me to come in and share a little bit of my story and how I ended up where I am, but also to let them know that you don’t need to have everything figured out right now.”

Smeenk says he also takes motivation from doing things like this, as it makes him accountable for everything he says during these presentations.

“From a personal side of things, of course, it drives motivation. It keeps me thinking about how can I remain authentic to the message I’m delivering on a daily basis.”

“For example, you can’t go out there and talk about all the hard work you’ve done if you’re not going to continue to do it.”

Smeenk adds he wanted to get involved because “the coolest athletes I know give back,” and a lot of them do that through Classroom Champions.

“Once I got into the doors of Classroom Champions, it became apparent to me how fulfilling it is to really drive that inspiration in other communities that are beyond your own local one.” 

Smeenk says kids are curious and want to learn.

“They really are sponges at this age and stage of their life, so being able to have an impact on their development and see them light up a little bit has really been something that’s personally fulfilling.”

“Ultimately, I think that if I can help make the next generation a little bit smarter, a little bit more motivated, or a little bit more resilient, that would be considered a job well done beyond the field of play for me.”

Smeenk has competed in three Paralympic Games, winning gold and bronze medals at the 2024 edition in Paris.

by Curtis Galbraith