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Nigel Davis is the only athlete to have represented his country in different sports at three successive World Games |
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Meeting Special Olympics Jamaica athlete Nigel Davis for the first time you are struck by his brilliant smile and infectious laughter. Becoming more familiar, you would also discover his insatiable desire for popular music and dance. But perhaps his most outstanding characteristic is his level of discipline and commitment to being a Special Olympics athlete. "Training, competing and meeting friends is what makes Special Olympics important to me," Davis said.
He began competing in athletics at age 10, then later fell in love with roller skating as he enjoyed its speed. Roller skating provided an avenue to channel his energy and allowed him to let off steam. As he put it, "I used to get angry easily." These bouts of anger have been significantly reduced since his involvement in Special Olympics. Davis asserts that the discipline of the sports and the counseling he received from his coaches helped him to be more confident and independent, allowing him to interact with other people in and outside of Special Olympics. Davis has changed from being a boisterous and impulsive athlete to a mature and responsible Special Olympics athlete, who prides himself on always giving his very best. He has taken on the Special Olympics Athlete Oath as his personal mantra.
Davis enjoys almost any sport. He has represented Special Olympics Jamaica at three World Games: floor hockey in 1997, roller skating in 1999 and speed skating in 2001. He has the distinction of being the only athlete to have represented his country in different sports at three successive World Games.
Presently, Davis is focusing his energy on conquering the world of long distance running. "When I was training for floor hockey, I had to run a 5k race for endurance. I won easily and realized that this was something I could be good at, so now my goal is to enter distance races, eventually becoming a marathon runner," Davis said. He also dabbles in basketball, football (soccer) and cricket.
Davis' confidence has grown proportionately to his dedication and commitment to Special Olympics. His involvement in the Athlete Leadership Programs attests to the importance he places not only on his personal achievement in the sporting arena but also on the development of a quality program for all athletes. As a member of the Special Olympics Jamaica Athletes' Council, Davis plays a pivotal role in insuring that the athlete voice is heard — a role that he takes very seriously. He believes that his participation on the council has helped him to become more involved in the management of the Program and to shape the future of Special Olympics Jamaica.
Floor hockey coach Avril Daley remarked that Davis has truly evolved into a well-rounded and disciplined young adult. "I see Davis as a role model for his peers and younger athletes. His commitment knows no bounds. He is comfortable meeting the media, seeking sponsorships and being an ambassador for Special Olympics Jamaica," Daley said.
Reprinted from Spirit magazine, by Carole Mitchell, Training Director for Special Olympics Jamaica.
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