What a yr it’s been since my election as World Athlete Congress Chair in the course of the World Video games in Berlin, Germany, in June 2023. This unimaginable journey has been crammed with alternatives to advertise Particular Olympics and be the voice for over 4 million athletes, advocating for inclusion and representing our group on the worldwide stage.
Making ready for the World Video games in Santiago
One of many standout moments was on 24 March, once I had the privilege of representing the Athlete Management as a part of the SOI Analysis Committee when conducting a web site go to for the 2027 World Summer season Video games in Santiago, Chile. My function was to guage the extent of athlete involvement at each stage of their bid. Working alongside my fellow athlete chief Álvaro Brochero, we highlighted the worth of the athlete’s voice to native and authorities officers, emphasizing the significance of real athlete involvement within the planning and execution of such important occasions.
Co-hosting at SportAccord
SportAccord introduced one other distinctive and influential alternative, bringing collectively worldwide federations of sport. I had the respect of co-hosting the variety discussion board, the place I challenged the stereotypical notion that athletes with mental disabilities (ID) are seen, however not heard. I bolstered the significance of younger folks’s voices and the necessity to be taught from our useful views. In numerous conferences with Particular Olympics and Sports activities Federation officers, I set the problem of together with athletes with ID as an on a regular basis observe. I seized each second to advertise Particular Olympics, sharing each day updates on social media to amplify our message.
Delivering a Keynote Speech at AIPS Convention
A very thrilling milestone was delivering a keynote speech on the Worldwide Sport’s Press Affiliation (AIPS) centenary world convention in Santa Susanna, Barcelona. As the primary athlete with ID to handle this viewers, I challenged the sports activities media to leverage their platforms to advertise inclusion in sport and society. I urged them to cowl extra Particular Olympics occasions and share our tales, emphasizing that we’re able to showcase our abilities and have a good time our talents. I additionally posed a provocative query: “Have you ever ever thought of hiring somebody with IDD? If not, why not?”
A Go to to 10 Downing Avenue
One other spotlight this yr was visiting 10 Downing Avenue, the house of Nice Britain’s Prime Minister. This go to offered a possibility to make sure that the athletes’ voice is central to discussions about probably internet hosting a future World Video games in Nice Britain. The importance of this second was not misplaced on me, because it underscored the rising recognition of the significance of athlete involvement on the highest ranges of decision-making.
Coaching Athlete Leaders in Washington DC
My journey additionally took me to Washington, DC, the place I helped practice and upskill new World Athlete Management Council members and Sargent Shriver World Messengers. I emceed an occasion alongside Financial institution of America employees and attended a renewal of partnership assembly with Financial institution of America employees and Tim Shriver, Chairman of Particular Olympics. These experiences bolstered the significance of collaboration and the collective effort required to advance our mission.
As Congress Chair, my objective is to encourage extra girls and women to take part and keep concerned in sport and management roles. I hope to realize this by serving as a optimistic feminine function mannequin. Particular Olympics is an athlete-led group, and I’m proud to be proof of that.
