Kevin Connolly is slated as the keynote speaker for one of our pro bono clients, Special Olympics Montana, at the opening ceremonies of their State Summer Games, May 12 in Bozeman. Born in Helena, Montana in 1985, sans legs, Kevin has explored the world, established himself as an important photographer, won a silver medal in the X-games and recently penned the Harper Collins memoir, "Double Take."

The wince-inducing passage in his book where Kevin splinters his jaw on an avalanche pole while skiing off Big Sky's Lone Peak tram in a blizzard says something about the guy's backbone. His photographic work, "The Rolling Exhibition," belies the insight and intellect that Kevin's calloused hands have propelled, assisted by his skateboard, from Christchurch to Kiev and far beyond.

The subject of unsolicited stares and double takes since the day he was born, Kevin's uniqueness thrust him into a position of authority (whether he liked it or not) on that human compulsion to ponder and attempt to explain things that we don't understand. He's different. People can't help but notice. But it's how they respond to their own uncertainty that Kevin's lens catches.

Kevin is well qualified to speak at an event that draws communities together to set aside their fear of the unfamiliar and participate in the victories of extraordinary athletes. Thanks for doing this, Kevin. We look forward to hearing you.