Ryan Straschnitzki, former Humboldt Bronco and wheelchair basketball Paralympic hopeful, will headline the 2026 speaker series. The event, presented by long-time Lethbridge businessperson Bruce McKillop and in partnership with Excite Lethbridge, will be held March 4 at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre.
Photo : Courtesy of Ryan Straschnitzki
Straschnitzki, whose life was forever altered in 2018, is a strong advocate for overcoming adversity. Paralyzed from the chest down, his personal journey to recovery also includes breaking down barriers and stigma around mental and physical disabilities. Recently, Straschnitzki started The Straz Strong Foundation to help people with disabilities improve their quality of life through adaptive sports, affordable rehabilitation and initiatives that increase understanding and awareness of the challenges they face.
Although he's received an overwhelming amount support from around the world, every day is a battle for Straschnitzki, not just physically but mentally as well. As a keynote speaker, he spreads a message of positivity and motivation for those looking to adapt and change their lives for the better.
"Ryan's story is one of resiliency and hope; sentiments I believe everyone should take into consideration in this day and age," says McKillop. "I'm proud of what we've done with the speaker series, and I encourage students and the community to come hear Ryan's message."
In addition to championing the speaker series, McKillop is well-known for his longtime contributions to the community and the polytechnic, having established dozens of student awards and scholarships for students who have overcome their own academic or personal challenges on their journeys to success.
A new partner on the speaker series, Excite Lethbridge will host the event in the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre, allowing it to expand to a larger audience. Becoming a partner on the series aligns with Excite Lethbridge's commitment to bring a diversity of groups to the venue, while supporting initiatives that strengthen the community.
"Students and Lethbridge Polytechnic are an important part of the Lethbridge community, so we are excited to partner on an event that puts education first," says Sydney Koppe, director of community engagement, Excite Lethbridge. "Our organization embraces this year's theme of resiliency as we transitioned to a new entity this past year, and we are looking forward to being inspired and educated by Ryan's message."
The Lethbridge Polytechnic speaker series aims to educate attendees, engage the community and provide opportunities for thoughtful dialogue on important issues impacting students and the broader community. Previous featured speakers include Canadian musician, author and AI entrepreneur David Usher and world-renowned Canadian cave diver and underwater photographer Jill Heinerth.
Tickets for the Lethbridge Polytechnic Speaker Series featuring Ryan Straschnitzki are now available. Two sessions will be held on March 4 - a student event at 2 p.m. and a main event at 6 p.m. followed by a networking hour at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at lethpolytech.ca/ryans-story. Tickets are $25 for the public, $15 for Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni and employees and free for polytechnic students. Quantities are limited.
