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Vanessa Williams, Special Olympics Global Ambassador

Vanessa Williams

Global Ambassador

Vanessa Williams is one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in entertainment today. She has conquered the musical charts, Broadway, television and motion pictures. She has sold over 15 million albums worldwide and she has achieved critical acclaim as an actress on stage, in film and on television. Her albums have earned multiple Grammy nominations and have yielded such classic hits as “the Academy Award-winning single “Colors of the Wind,” from Disney’s “Pocahontas.” On Broadway, Vanessa was nominated for a Tony Award for the 2002 revival of “Into the Woods.” Most recently, Vanessa has achieved remarkable success on television with her work on ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” and “Ugly Betty,” where she earned three Emmy nominations. In December 2010, the International Press Academy honored Vanessa with their prestigious Mary Pickford Award for her career achievements over the past 27 years. In 2007, Vanessa achieved a career pinnacle, with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her accomplishments as a performer. Her charitable endeavors are many and varied, embracing and supporting such organizations as Special Olympics and many others.

Engagement: Vanessa became involved with the Special Olympics in 1992 after singing on the "A Very Special Christmas 2" album, and currently serves on the board of directors, which she uses her platform to advocate for people with intellectual disabilities for the past 2.5 decades. Vanessa has attended many Special Olympics events including performing at several Special Olympics World Games. Vanessa has participated in Unified Sports including Tennis, Bocce, and Equestrian to name a few. She believes "The idea of incorporating sports and people with intellectual disabilities allows each athlete to have a sense of inclusion, to be encouraged and have success in a community where achievement is available and consistent."

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