My journey with Unified Sports began with a simple, powerful connection—playing sports alongside my friend with Down syndrome. What started as an occasional activity soon became a regular part of my life, and little did I know that this would lead me to something much bigger.
At first, it was just about training and playing together, but soon I learned that what we were doing was part of something much more meaningful—Special Olympics. This realization opened my eyes to the incredible potential of Unified Sports and its mission.
The defining moment of my journey came in 2007 when I attended the Global Youth Summit in Shanghai. I was still in high school, and that event completely transformed my perspective. I had the opportunity to meet friends from all over the world, learn about different cultures, and see how other communities were engaging with the Special Olympics mission. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to do more to make a difference for others in the Special Olympics community.
Over time, I developed a deep commitment to the cause. It became clear to me that it wasn’t just about having a big heart; it was about believing in the mission of Special Olympics and wanting to be a part of that change.
Special Olympics is not just an organization; it's a movement that becomes a part of you once you're in. You may not always work directly for or with Special Olympics, but its mission and values will stay with you, influencing your studies, your career, and your contributions to your industry. From my own experience, Special Olympics first opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of people and helped me discover my passion and life goals. With this purpose, I’ve become more goal-oriented and driven to continue learning how to bridge the gap between individuals with IDD and those without, ultimately improving the lives of everyone, including those of us within the Special Olympics community.
My dream of working for Special Olympics East Asia, sparked at the 2007 summit, eventually became a reality. From that moment on, working for Special Olympics was the path I knew I wanted to pursue.
Looking back on my journey, I can see how much I’ve grown. As a youth leader, I once thought it was nice to be important to someone. But now, I realize that Special Olympics and its athletes have become more important to me than I ever imagined. If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to keep following my heart and trusting my interests. That path, though challenging at times, would take me far beyond what I ever expected.
I encourage more young people to join Special Olympics, not just for the opportunity to lead and grow, but to raise awareness about the abilities, potential, invaluable contributions of individuals with IDD. Because we are a community with a shared future, leaving anyone behind will result in a regression of the society. The only path is to see, to understand, to respect and to collaborate across differences—including embracing the incredible value individuals with IDD bring to our world.
The journey from playing sports with a friend to becoming part of a global movement has shaped me into someone passionate about making a difference—and I couldn’t be prouder of the impact that Special Olympics continues to have on my life and on the world.
