International Day of People with a Disability is on December 3, but Shaun has already started spreading the message.

In a speech during a public speaking competition, Shaun shared the inspiration provided by a friend, Trent Tulloch.

The following is an extract from the speech presented by Shaun at the Boorowa Public Speaking Competition.

"People have a lot of choices these days. They can choose where to live, what to eat, what to wear and where to go. They can also try, or give up.

"So why is it important to keep trying?

"I have a friend named Trent. He has been in a wheelchair all his life. He has 'spinal muscular atrophy' a condition he has had since he was born.

"He isn't a prominent person, nor is he famous. You won't read about him in the newspapers, nor will you see his face on TV. But his courage, determination and good humour have affected everyone who knows him.

"Yes, Trent has a disability, but it never stopped him being elected our primary school captain, or taking up the leadership of his school's debating team. And he also anchored our team in the Science Olympiad this year.

"He has always excelled at school and can show you a swag of academic awards and prizes. Although he can't lift his laptop, or even hold a pen, his IT skills are very advanced.

"People would forgive him for not trying, but he does try. Just living with his disability would be hard enough.

"The way I see it is that he has two choices – to give up and live a life of an invalid, - or to embrace the great Aussie tradition of ‘having a go'. Nobody would blame him for giving up, but he hasn't and he won't for as long as he has that choice.

"But what does he gain, by not giving up and trying his best? Yes, a lot of pain and frustration. I can assure you of that. But he has achieved so much and his self esteem is high and his mental outlook is positive.

"Trent is living proof of the importance of trying; in spite of his disability. I have never heard him complain. He just gets on with life as anyone else would. He puts 110% into everything he does.

"He inspires and humbles people with his strength and courage, and total lack of concern about his own condition.

"Others would have "thrown in the towel years ago", but Trent is truly a remarkable human being, and best of all, a good friend to me.

"No matter what the situation is, or what the outcome, it is so important to keep trying. I would rank it among the best of human qualities, and Trent Tulloch has taught me that."