IUGA Meeting 2023 - Keynote Lecture

IUGA was honored to host Esther Vergeer as the Keynote Speaker for 2023. She is a Dutch Paralympic tennis player who has achieved legendary status in the face of adversity. She is a 7-time Paralympic gold medal winner, 21-time Grand Slam champion, and had a winning streak of 470 back-to-back matches. At 8 years old, she became confined to a wheelchair and credits sports with saving her life. She described the time she remembers learning that her life would never be the same. She described some of the difficulties of being paralyzed as a child but always felt like she was supported and belonged, thanks to her school community and family.  She started playing tennis as part of her rehabilitation and loved it. She remembered a turning point when a coach complimented her on her tennis skills, giving her back her confidence in herself. She started training more and was invited to tournaments, including the United States Open. After an incredibly storied tennis career, she retired to continue her mission to motivate and promote inclusion through sports through her foundation. She works with academic hospitals to identify children with disabilities to connect them with sports as opportunities to improve their physical and mental health and give them back their confidence. She is a huge advocate for the Paralympic Games and how important it is to highlight these athletes as role models for children. She encourages us all to work together and connect with people to achieve common goals.