As a result of a motor vehicle accident, Medal of the Order of Australia recipient Chris Sparks became paraplegic at age three.
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However, being wheelchair bound has never stopped him in his tracks. In fact, one could say he has lived his 60 years of life so far, taking the bull by the horns.
From elite sportsman, Olympic gold-winning basketballer, world traveller, television and radio sports commentator, motivational speaker, to self-confessed computer geek running successful multinational companies from Australia and abroad, it seems there isn't anything the NSW Physical Disability Council's president can't do.
"That's what it's all about isn't it? Having the guts to grab an opportunity and seize the day," Mr Sparks, of Kalaru, said.
Being a leader in change is something that comes naturally to Mr Sparks, whose determination as a teenager saw him attend the local high school - which wasn't the norm back then for a kid in a wheelchair.
"I was one of the first wheelchair kids to go to an able-bodied high school. It was something I had pushed hard for. Back then [1972], kids with disabilities went to a 'crippled children's school', which was a huge disadvantage.
"It was really significant, although, at the time, I didn't really appreciate the magnitude of what it would mean to me," he said.
"I was just a kid with a sense of adventure."
That kid with the sense of adventure evolved into the advocating adult Mr Sparks is today.
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Being nominated for an OAM for his service to people with a disability in the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours List came as a surprise to Mr Sparks, who said the notice "came out of the blue" - it was something he never expected.
"I'm not sure why I've been nominated," he said humbly.
"It's a hard one to call...I've always led an able-bodied life, but as I've gone through life I've always been involved in not-for-profits.
"I chaired NSW Wheelchair Sports through its toughest period and helped get it back on track, I was vice-chairman of Northcott Disability Services and I now chair the NSW Physical Disability Council which is a brilliant advocacy organisation.
"And I've done a lot of work for kids with disabilities over the years," he added.
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As chairman of NSW Wheelchair Sports he was part of a team, along with parents, who established the first ever sporting camp in Australia for kids with disabilities.
"A big step for the kids," he said.
"It was the first time many of them had spent time away from their families.
"It was a huge achievement for wheelchair sports and it still goes on today."
However, after a lifetime of achievements advocating for opportunities for others, Mr Sparks said he felt humbled to be an OAM recipient.
"Somewhere along the line somebody has noted the work I have done and thought it worthy of recognition.
"I don't think it is," he added.
"But I feel graciously humbled and am grateful of those that think it is."
"It's just another life really," he said.
