About this Event
Join us February 4th, 2025 for a RIMS luncheon as we welcome Steve O'Brien, founder of the Steve O'Brien Foundation. Steve will share his inspiring Cross Canada journey including the endless preperation involved and the navigation of risks. Steve aims to inspire and discuss the mindset of taking risks to succeed.
STEVE O’BRIEN
Steve O’Brien was born May 19, 1964 in Hawkesbury, Ontario. Majority of his youth was spent playing sports where he quickly realised his natural talent in running. Between the years of 1985 and 1989 he competed both provincially and nationally, winning many championships.
In 1989, at the Canadian Championships in Ottawa, Steve won a bronze medal and made Team Canada. He became the very first Quebecer to ever make a National Team in the 400 meters.
By 1992, Steve made the Olympic Standard for the Barcelona Olympics in the 400 meters and is ranked Number 1 in Canada.
Despite repeated injury, Steve continued to represent nationally and compete in races all over the world. In 2009, following the death of his father, he returned to the track one last time, to try to win a medal for his dad at the World Masters Olympic Championships in Australia. He suceeded and came back with a bronze medal and decided to retire from his racing career.
By 2010, Steve decided to give back to the community with the creation of the Steve O’Brien Foundation. The foundation is rooted in a mission to give young people the tools to achieve their goals, and to instill in them the notion of perseverance, with which they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. He proceeded to organize " Olympic Torch Relays" in schools and present at conferences to motivate and inspire kids.
In 2012, Steve proceeds to climb Mount Washington, Machu Picchu and Kilimanjaro and raise $63,000 for the continued success of the foundation.
Following the success of the climbs, and a replacement of his right hip, Steve develops an idea of a unique Cross Canada Tour, completed in 12 different ways as chosen by children.
In 2015, with already 8000KM completed of training, Steve sets a world record in his completion of covering 13,225 km from Victoria, B.C. to St. John’s, Newfoundland. He achieved this feat using 12 disciplines chosen by some youngsters: on foot (walking and running), on bike (road and mountain), on scooter, on jumping stick, on in-line skates, on skis, on snowshoes and on park board (longboard), not to mention wheelchair and adapted bike sections.
Following the sucess of his Cross Canada Tour, Steve continued to organize and run 24 hour Relay for Youth in support of the foundation and raise thousands of dollars to assist youth in finishing their education and give them a brighter future.
As of 2025, Steve is a publiushed author, retelling his Cross Canada story and continues his efforts to inspire and motivate kids to complete their high school degree, and to pursue their goals and dreams.
https://fondationsteveobrien.ca/en/
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Mill St. Brew Pub, 555 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Canada
CAD 0.00 to CAD 50.00
