Special Olympics Great Britain athlete leader, Niall Guite is an accomplished artist, entrepreneur, advocate and cyclist – and that’s not to mention that his recent triumph at the TCS London Marathon! To celebrate the inaugural Special Olympics European Week of Families, supported by Lions Clubs International Foundation and the Samuel Family Foundation, Michelle Guite, Niall’s mother and lifelong supporter, reflects on the transformative journey that Niall and their family have been on in recent years. Through Niall’s determination and his involvement in Special Olympics, he has demonstrated and nurtured hidden skills, capabilities and interests, on and off the sports track. This has brought about a profound change in perspective and new realisations, not only for Niall, but for his family, longtime friends and wider community.
How has Special Olympics impacted you as a parent, and your wider family?
I think that Special Olympics made me focus on being brave and encouraging Niall to do the same. At the beginning, Niall was very reluctant to try anything new. Having something to work towards, like a competition, which meant travelling without us and staying away from home, for me, was a really positive thing. It meant that I challenged Niall to practise his sport and meet new people. I realised that in doing so it helped reduce his anxieties in other areas of his life too. It helped that he already knew his coach and felt comfortable. Jazz [Niall’s coach] was confident, energetic and fun but crucially was keen to get the support right for each athlete.
As a family I think we began to see that he was capable and needed to be motivated for change to happen. When Niall started to show his true capabilities, friends who have known him all his life were truly humbled by his skills and abilities and said that they had no idea that he was that capable. I know that it made them reassess how they looked at everyone, no-one should be left out of society, we all deserve to be seen and treated with dignity and respect.
Our experience and Niall’s endeavours have given so many families hope and a passport to go and find what makes their person tick – it's amazing to be approached by strangers at events and directly told that Niall has given them hope for their child’s future.
In your opinion, what are the challenges that Special Olympics can or currently does help families to address?
Special Olympics helps to support athletes to cope with so many things, the development of skills in sport are just the tip of the iceberg. Niall’s life has improved immeasurably in my opinion due to his involvement. He will always find communication difficult but his attitude towards the challenge is so different, he now sees the opportunities and works hard to overcome his difficulties in order to be heard and sees himself in such a positive light now.
Physical challenges can be daunting but if they are wrapped up in fun, sport and meeting people, then they don't seem so bad. Niall has learned that practise makes everything easier and that spills out into so many aspects of his life, his cooking, writing. Trying anything for the first time, he knows will mean some failures but ultimately if he gets something right then things will improve with time and effort. The sense of community and friendship is such a gift to us all and means that he is no longer isolated in his community but also means that he tries to make friends in other areas of his life, which I don't think would have happened before. He now has something to say about himself; people are interested in his story, and he is proud of his achievements. Special Olympics is good at amplifying athletes' voices and increasing awareness of learning disability and creating a positive narrative for society to see and hear.
How important is the involvement of families in Special Olympics, alongside athletes?
Family involvement in Special Olympics can feel difficult, particularly with a busy family and often extra appointments that may come along for a child with a disability. However I have only ever found community, support and opportunity whilst engaging with others to have better life experiences for our children.
Although life can be hectic, I would recommend that everyone gets involved where they can, whatever that looks like, from the obvious one of coaching, to keeping the accounts, social media, secretary, safeguarding, helping to fundraise, hall booking, putting kit away. They are all essential elements in making a club successful and gives back so much more to you and your family. Being around other family members is also a great support network, and you learn so much from other people, their challenges and their successes. Ultimately, you get a ringside seat to seeing so much joy and improvement in people's lives and that is such a privilege and humbling to see. We support one another and cheer on all the athletes in everything that they go on to do.
