Inspiring school kids across Australia

Sam with children from Bunnaloo Public School in southern Riverina of NSW (March 2009).

Sam Bailey has a dream....to have an impact on every school age child across Australia. Ultimately he hopes to achieve that goal by becoming the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter and fly into schools to speak. Meanwhile, he's spreading the word travelling in a more convential way, by car.

See latest news on Sam's school visits on the

2010 School News page.

Over the past six years Sam has spoken to thousands of kids across Australia, visiting schools whenever his schedule allows during his public speaking travels. When asked why, he said simply, "...because you can have such an impact on kids at an early age."

He adds, "It's harder to teach an old dog new tricks, whereas a pup is a blank canvas....with all the potential in the world. It's a bit the same with kids. And my story seems to resonate with young people and hopefully it will give them life skills that will help them throughout their entire life."

Sam also aims to inspire young people. "I hope I give them something positive to aspire to and leave them with an appreciation for how lucky they are to live in this great country Australia, where there are lots of opportunities if you're prepared to work hard....even if you're a quadriplegic.'

"Kids have so many poor role models these days and it is easy for them to get disheartened if they read what's in the media because it's all so negative. Maybe that's why my story can have such an impact because it's uplifting and positive and kids can relate because I'm not a movie star or elite athlete...I'm just an ordinary bloke who didn't even do all that well at school. But with determination and guts I've been able to jump all the obstacles in front of me and prove that attitude can overcome any hurdle, no matter how big or small."

Sam's four lessons for students:

Lesson One:

Wear a seat belt and don't speed.

Think of the consequences

Lesson Two:

Try everything, even if you think you can't do it

Lesson Three:

People who say you can't do something are actually helping you.

It's up to you to prove them wrong!

Lesson Four:

Value your family, friends and the community you live in

FREE book to schools  Sam and Jenny Bailey donate a FREE copy of "Head Over Heels" to every school where Sam speaks to be placed in the library. Sam (right) presents his book to Woodstock Public School Boys Captain, Anthony Bird while Koorawatha Public School Boys Captain, Ryan Bartle looks on.

 Schools Sam has spoken to in 2010:

(Photos and stories on 2010 School News page)

Schools Sam has spoken to in 2009:

(Photos and stories on 2009 School News page)

• St Marys Primary, Goondiwindi (QLD)
• Coolamon Central School (NSW)
• Matong Primary School (NSW)
• Ganmain Primary School (NSW)
• Marrar Primary School (NSW)
• St Michaels Primary School, Coolamon (NSW)
• Yanco Agricultural High School (NSW)
• St Josephs Convent School, Lochinvar (NSW)
• Tara Shire State College (QLD)
• West Wyalong High School (NSW)
• St Marys War Memorial School (NSW)
• Ungarie Central School (NSW)
• Marmion Primary School (WA)
• Bunnaloo Public School (NSW)
•  Mathoura Public School (NSW)

Young readers love "Head Over Heels"

The Wockner children Cody, 3, Charlie, 7, and Darcy, 5, from "Glenore", Normanton, just inland from the Gulf of Carpentaria, northern Queensland, are among the many children who have enjoyed reading "Head Over Heels".

If you're looking for a book for your kids to read consider getting them a copy of "Head Over Heels". It can be read by children from eight years and upwards, and particularly suits teenagers or young adults. It's major messages include:

• It is a story that will inspire them to fulfil their own dreams
• It will make them appreciate what they have
• It will teach them resilience and persistence
• It may inspire non-readers, particularly boys, to read
• "Head Over Heels" comes highly recommended
• Many teachers are reading "Head Over Heels" to students in class

Buy a copy of "Head Over Heels"

Sam said the number of kids reading his book has come as a complete surprise.

"When Jenny and I wrote the book we never imagined children as young as eight would read it. In fact, our book agent Selwa Anthony spoke to our publisher ABC Books about the possibility of printing a kids version. But once our book came out we realised it really wasn't necessary because heaps of children were reading it.

"In fact many parents who have read it say it's the first thing they're going to do when they're finished is to give it to their 12-year-old, or their 17-year-old or 22-year-old to read."

Many students are using the story as part of assignments about overcoming adversity or role models or as part of analysis of a book of their choice. We've even heard of teachers reading it to their students, some as young as lower primary kids," says Sam.

Fantastic feedback from kids

We constantly received feedback from young people who have either read "Head Over Heels" or seen Sam speak at their school. Here are some examples of emails:

• "Dear Sam and Jenny, I hope you are both well. I just wanted to say, thank you for keeping going and giving the rest of us hope. If you can do what you are doing then we can get through the little ruff parts of life. Thank you also I was at Prep when you spoke to us it was really good to hear from you I am so glad you talked to us that night, and look forward to you coming to Toowoomba again maybe to Fairholme. Anyway this is pretty corny I know but anyway. Also I love your web pages. I am doing an English oral on it :) thankyou again and good luck!" (Name supplied but withheld)
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• "I am 14 and live down in the city of Sydney. My older brother met you once when you went to TSS in Queenland and he got your book. He gave it to me to read so I did and it happened that I had a school assignment for pdhpe. the subject is overcoming adversity. I read your book during the holidays. I just could not put it down. I just had to know what you did next, I was so caught up in the book. and was excited when you achieved the small and big things, mostly when you proposed and started the rest of your life with some one special...." (Name supplied but withheld)
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