Craig Dietz website
Craig Dietz, born without limbs, earned his driver's license when he was 21. He has been living independently since graduating high school. Dietz is the assistant city solicitor for Pittsburgh.
Jim Fair
Allen Smith and John Mansure, right, held a formal media conference to officially announce Craig Dietz, born without limbs, as the keynote speaker for the 75th Annual Celebration on Jan. 17.
The video continues showing Dietz entering his first marathon event in Pittsburgh, participating in the swimming. He laughs out loud when asked why he didn’t put his swim cap back on when a competitor kicked it off.
Dietz, the assistant city solicitor for Pittsburgh is shown smoothing the peanut butter on a slice of bread and putting the sandwich into a plastic bag. He described that task as a "little tricky".
Dietz bowls, hunts, skis and plays volleyball. He portrays himself as an ordinary person with an extraordinary handicap.
Dietz, 38, was born without limbs. “If God wanted me to have arms and legs he would have given them to me,” Dietz said in the video.
Allen Smith, President and CEO of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, announced that Dietz will be the keynote speaker for the chamber’s 75th Annual Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 17 at Embassy Suites. During the First Friday luncheon last week Smith told attendees, “This is something we just couldn’t wait to announce at a press conference next Tuesday.
“The business community has had to face a lot of adversity. However, the adversity we have faced pales in comparison with the daily challenges Mr. Dietz faces,” stated Smith at the media conference in GreerToday. “We can all learn from his positive attitude and the fact that he has succeeded despite all odds.”
Greer Memorial Hospital will be the presenting sponsor. John Mansure, President of Greer Memorial said, “Mr. Dietz will be motivational and inspirational. He has excelled in all parts of his life. I’m confident his message will resonate through the business community."
Smith said he saw Dietz featured on ESPN and thought, “We’ve got to get him to Greer.”
Entitled “A Look Back, A Look Ahead,” the event will feature 2012 Chamber Board Chairman Mansure passing the gavel to Bill Roughton, 2013, incoming chairman.
A reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner and program at 7. Tickets are $65 for chamber members and $75 for non-members. Visit the Greer Chamber or call 864-877-3131.