Inclusion doesn’t just happen in communities, it is built by people who actively address gaps and create connections to help everyone feel like they have a place in society.
Kamille Tingzon, Yashika Bhatt, Japhet Narrey, and Jack Rowe are four newly appointed leaders in the Special Olympics Asia Pacific’s Regional Athlete Leadership Councils, who have raised their hands to actively create spaces of inclusion within their communities. Read on to understand their individual stories.
Kamille Tingzon: The Dancing Queen of Inclusion
Philippines
Kamille Tingzon, Athlete Leader at Special Olympics Pilipinas, brings a unique blend of athletic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit to her leadership role. As a silver medalist in Bocce in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, she has proven her competitive spirit on the international stage. But it’s her infectious energy that truly sets her apart.
Kamille uses her love of dance not just as a form of self-expression, but as a powerful tool for connection. “For me, inclusion means creating spaces where everyone can shine,” Kamille shares. “Whether it’s on the bocce court, the dance floor, or in the boardroom, I believe every person deserves the chance to show their talents and be celebrated for who they are.”
Kamille actively champions the rights and visibility of people with intellectual disabilities (PWID), her advocacy is rooted in passion and powered by rhythm. Through dance, she breaks barriers, builds community, and shows the world that success comes in many forms.
Kamille Tingzon isn’t just moving to the beat—she’s leading a movement.
Yashika Bhatt: Empowering Through Inclusive Education
India
At just 23 years old, Yashika Bhatt, is already making waves as an Athlete Leader at Special Olympics Bharat (India) . With a portfolio of leadership roles at events both within India and internationally, she exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and passion.
As an assistant manager for youth initiatives and a dedicated athlete leader, she has committed her career to empowering fellow athletes through holistic development. She trains individuals in both soft and technical skills, recognizing that true empowerment comes from nurturing confidence, competence, and character.
One of Yashika’s most impactful projects is “Inclusion beyond Sports”, which challenges how PWIDs are seen and integrated into society. The program engages both mainstream and special schools and aims to increase the number of youth leaders within Special Olympics, while creating the platform to recognize the talents of athletes beyond their athletic achievements.
“Even though we bring home medals from national and international competitions, we (PWIDs) are still not fully accepted by society. Mainstream students often don’t understand us, and when we are outside, people tell our parents we can’t do anything. That mentality needs to change,” Yashika shares.
Her goal? Create lasting change through these programs within societies so that everyone can feel valued, respected, and supported.
Japhet Narrey: Building Bridges Through Sport
Papua New Guinea
“To me, inclusion means being and feeling part of something without fear of being out of place.”
Japhet Narrey, Athlete Leader with Special Olympics Papua New Guinea, deeply understands the power of sports to unite communities and break down barriers. Through his leadership in school awareness programs, he brings inclusion directly to young people through unified football competitions.
He enjoys playing soccer, AFL, footy, and a variety of other athletic activities. His wide-ranging interests enable him to lead programs and support coaches by fostering understanding between people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) and their communities. He takes great pride in his role as an athlete leader and whole-heartedly embraces diversity in the programs he leads, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and thrive.
Jack Rowe: From Parliament to Playing Fields
New Zealand
Jack Rowe reached a major milestone in 2024 when he completed the Athlete Leadership Programme from Special Olympics New Zealand. His graduation, held at the prestigious parliament buildings, marked a proud moment in his journey, and was followed by his selection to the Asia Pacific Regional Athlete Leadership Council.
Jack’s wide-ranging passions—basketball, drama, dancing, singing, and sailing—showcase the multifaceted nature of inclusion. He exemplifies the belief that PWID can actively pursue their talents and help shape society’s understanding of ability and contribution.
Tim Upton, Jack’s mentor, has witnessed Jack’s transformation as an athlete leader. “Throughout this journey, it has been fantastic to observe Jack’s significant growth in maturity, with his confidence increasing tenfold,” he shares.
Today, Jack is a passionate advocate for PWID, driven by the belief that inclusion means everybody gets a go, no matter what. Whether on the field or in the community, he strives to ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued on any team he’s part of.
Inclusion Can Start Small
Kamille, Yashika, Japhet, and Jack show us that inclusion doesn’t always begin with bold moves—it flourishes through everyday actions within communities. As they take on their new leadership roles on the Regional Athlete and Youth Leadership Council, they’re shaping a more inclusive future—one connection, one community and one heart at a time.