The rules of tennis clearly specify the requirements of a fair game. Dimensions of the court, height of the net, even the diameter of the ball -- all must meet exact standards. It is the ability, strategy and determination brought by the players themselves that decide the winner. This is what makes the Roger Crawford story so amazing. He entered every tennis match at an apparent and profound disadvantage. That's what your eyes would tell you. But you can't see determination. Roger Crawford was born with severe physical disabilities. The first thing his parents were told when Roger was born was he would never be able to walk. Those doctors were looking at Roger's exterior. They couldn't see inside Roger. There was no medical device to measure Roger's heart and determination. It's obvious that Roger proved them wrong. Against all odds, he became a tennis champion who captained his high school team and was a four-year letterman. At Loyola Marymount University, he was a NCAA Division I athlete. He currently holds professional certification from the U.S. Professional Tennis Association. Roger has fast become a shining example of the power of optimism to thousands of people throughout the world. He has made speaking appearances in all 50 states and 13 foreign countries to audiences as small as 25 and as large as 25,000. He has shared his wisdom and insight with hundreds of corporations and associations. And, year after year, clients continue to invite Roger back because they know they can depend on Roger every time to deliver a message that can make a difference" in the lives of those who hear him. In 1996, Roger received the coveted CPAE award, the National Speakers Association's highest recognition for professional speaking excellence. Roger is also a member of the elite Speakers Roundtable, a group of 21 speakers who are dedicated to speaking excellence. A successful author, Roger’s inspiring road to victory is detailed in his autobiography, Playing From the Heart. In his second book, How High Can You Bounce, he demonstrates the power of resiliency. Roger’s book, Words to Ignite Your Resilient Spirit!, is filled with the author’s uplifting thoughts as well as the ideas of other teachers and philosophers who have inspired Roger throughout his life."
