Fearnley OAM is a three-time Paralympic wheelchair racing gold medallist and four-time winner of the New York City Marathon’s wheelchair division.

Most recently, Fearnley completed the gruelling Kokoda Trail without aid, raising funds and awareness for charities and inspiring people with disadvantages.

Sport Albury-Wodonga chairman Graeme Hicks said Fearnley’s appearance was a massive coup for the March awards night.

“The idea behind getting Kurt is his combination of outstanding sporting achievements and his inspirational work away from the sporting arena,” Hicks said.

“His incredible Kokoda trail effort was something that we thought might inspire young people to achieve at a higher level.

“I’m reasonably fit and it was the toughest physical thing I’ve done in my life — I can’t think of many things in life that are harder.

“For Kurt to have done it with the disability he has — well, it’s just an unbelievable achievement.

“More than that though, I think it’s so wonderful that he went there for the reasons he did — to commemorate and appreciate the commitment and sacrifice those Australian soldiers made for us to live in the country we do today.”

Fearnley’s commitment to the premier award ceremony comes after Australian cricketing great Glenn McGrath was guest speaker at last year’s awards.

As well as celebrating the Border’s best sporting talent, Hicks said the Young Achiever awards are designed to foster strong morals and community spirit.

“If we can encourage kids to be better citizens and also be great sports people, I think that’s a great thing,” he said.

“That’s what Glenn McGrath did last year and I’m sure what Kurt will do as well.

“If you look back at the champions who have come through the Young Achiever award, I don’t think you’ll find there’s anyone who has been a bad representative for our community, and that’s what this award is about.”

Read Saturday’s The Border Mail for a feature on the latest Young Achiever nominee to join archer Ethan Aldred.