Born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1967 under the dark cloud of apartheid

Neal Petersen is among millions of people born with disadvantages – his were physical, financial and political.

Studied commercial diving at College of Oceaneering, Los Angeles. Worked as a diver in the oil industry and mined diamonds on the seabed

Participated in 8 major international solo yacht races including two solo around the world yacht races

Historically Neal is known as the “first Black man to race solo around the world”

Neal’s autobiography titled “Journey of a Hope Merchant” - won the 2005 National Outdoor Book Award for best book

He wrote and produced a PBS documentary “No Barriers: The story of Neal Petersen”

This is a message like no other – Neal Petersen has proven what can happen when one truly believes in the power of a dream

First we will see a short video – then you will meet Neal

********PLEASE NOTE – the person introducing Neal will not say welcome Neal Petersen – they will say - first we will see a short video and then you will meet Neal.
[the video actually introduces Neal and when it ends (2 minutes long) Neal walks onto the stage]