Ross Watson: Profile

Blind Mountaineer

When Ross Watson talks about taking risks, teamwork, and personal dignity, he truly speaks from experience. An outdoor enthusiast for over 20 years, Ross was the first blind climber to attempt North America's highest mountain, 20,320 foot Mount McKinley in Alaska in 1990. After 21 days on the mountain and only 6 hours from the summit, a severe storm on the upper reaches of the mountain forced Ross and all but two members of the team to descend. Five days later the expedition realized success when two climbers reached the summit.

In 2000, Ross fulfilled a lifelong dream by organizing and taking part in an expedition to be the first blind climber to summit Canada's highest mountain, 19,640 foot Mount Logan in Canada's Yukon. On May 25, 2000 after 19 days of 60-kilometer winds and -35¼C temperatures, Ross and his three teammates reached the West Summit of Mount Logan.

In addition to these climbing exploits, Ross represented Canada in the Para Olympics in the 15 and 30-kilometer Nordic events in 1988. In 1994, he was selected to be a member of a panel that reviewed Alberta's Human Rights Commission and related legislation and supported 54 changes to Alberta 's Human Rights Act.

In 1996 he was presented with an Integrity Award from the Kananaskis Rotary Club and in 2001 Ross was the first to receive Cochrane's newly created Hero of the Year Award for his "selfless endeavors" in raising public awareness of abilities of visually impaired persons when he reached the West Summit of Mount Logan.

From 1995 to 2001, Ross served two terms has a municipal councilor, receiving the highest percentage of the popular vote in both his election campaigns. For 2002, Ross has been appointed Operation Eyesight Universal's (O.E.U.) Canadian Ambassador of Vision.

Ross is a dynamic speaker who has made numerous radio and television appearances and spoken to associations and conferences throughout Alberta and Western Canada.

Drawing on his unique mountain climbing experiences and an uncompromising belief in the power of personal goals, dreams and ambition, Ross delivers a memorable keynote on the rewards of taking risks and striving for success.

Ross speaks on his beliefs in:

• The rewards of taking risks
• Owning the limiting factors in your life
• Removing limits by establishing credibility
• Creating helpful associations
• Keeping your goals in sight

Ross leaves his audiences motivated and inspired to believe in themselves, take risks, and achieve their own personal Summits of Success.

* Please note that while this speaker's specific fee falls within the range posted (for Continental U.S. based events) at the top of this page, fees are subject to change without notice. For current fee information or international event fees (which are generally 25-75% more than U.S based event fees), please contact your Speakers Platform representative.