Sargent Shriver Global Messengers 2018 – 2023

Video celebrating Special Olympics as the recipient of the 2022 “Turn the World Outward” award from Arbinger Institute.

With National Disability Employment Awareness Month right around the corner, I've been reflecting on my own employment journey. My journey to the job I currently have was not one that I planned and it didn't go as easy as one, two, three. It was and still is a journey of faith. You see, when I left high school, I faced barriers in qualifying for disability resources and vocational training that I had been told would help prepare me to enter the workplace. As I applied for services, I was told I was either too high functioning or too low functioning to receive these services. I had a lot of time to wonder, and even be afraid of what my future might hold. The workplace had always been a scary place for me. I wasn’t so worried about the type of job I would get; I was worried about the support I would receive to be successful in my job.

Happy October and National Disability Employment Awareness Month! It’s the season of showcasing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Special Olympics Zimbabwe athlete Nyasha Derera has been beating the odds for his entire life.

Hi everyone,

After more than two long years of separation due to Covid-19, what better place to be able to bring over 5500 athletes together for in-person competition but the Happiest Place on Earth – Disney World!! I’m not even sure I can describe this week, but I will do my best.

My time at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games was a magical and impactful experience. My role as a Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger (SSIGM) was as an honored guest. During my time at USA Games in Orlando, Florida, I had an audible part in the Opening Ceremony, co-led an introduction to Unified Leadership training, and had fun at Disney’s Animal and Magic Kingdoms, just to name a few of my most memorable USA Games moments.

Good day to all our readers! As we point our attention to the upcoming 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, I hope you are ready for a magical event full of competition and togetherness!

Preparing for a big competition takes both mental and physical exercise. This month, I’ll share with you how I prepare for state competitions and my advice on overcoming any nerves. Personally, I’ve only competed at regional and state competitions for Special Olympics Illinois. You can apply the tips I share to national or world games competitions.

When I was assigned to write this blog, I was excited. This blog focuses on my life as a military child. I had so many thoughts going through my mind. What would I say? What would I talk about? How would I start?