Jaco van Gass - Motivational Speaker Information

South African born Jaco van Gass was a member of the British Armed Forces Parachute Regiment. It was during Jaco’s second tour of Afghanistan in 2009, after five and a half months and with just two weeks to go when Jaco sustained severe life changing injuries. Jaco was hit by an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade). The injuries he sustained included the loss of his left arm at the elbow, a collapsed left lung, shrapnel wounds to his left side, punctured internal organs, blast wounds to upper thigh, a broken tibia and a fractured knee. Despite the physical and mental trauma endured, Jaco became a first-class downhill skier, and multiple marathon runner. He was a member of the record-breaking team of wounded soldiers to trek unsupported to the North Pole (joined partly by Prince Harry), and he’s also climbed Alaska’s 6000m Mt Denali, and Everest (narrowly missing the summit due to adverse weather). After getting injured and reaching some incredible goals, Jaco has been invited to speak all over the UK and South Africa, at schools, universities and businesses, sharing his story. Jaco's presentation encompasses physical hardship, smashing world records and the ability to change. His message is one begotten of terrible circumstances, however, audiences will be attracted and motivated by Jaco's charm, humour and determination. Jaco tells his story with stories from real life adventures which he instigated due to his injuries and experience. Jaco is witty and determined and this shines through in the passion he injects into his presentations. He is engaging and has a real drive for others to take the opportunities that he has taken in order for them to improve their lives, both in and out of the workplace. His politeness, and charisma make him both memorable and entertaining, his ability to mix humour in with the intense drama and seriousness of his personal experiences manages to set audiences at ease whilst simultaneously inspiring them.