Sargent Shriver Global Messengers 2018 – 2023

Special Olympics corporate sponsor, United Airlines, has hired Special Olympics athletes in Denver as part of their team.

What lessons did you learn in 2021 and how do you plan to implement those lessons in 2022 to make the world more inclusive?

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October), I wanted to share about the BEST resource around: Special Olympics.

I dedicate my time to develop as an athlete leader. I show up to my commitments and sport practices. Some days I don’t feel like putting in the effort, but I do it anyway because it helps me develop into a stronger athlete and a stronger leader. I am willing to put in the hard work! True leaders dedicate their energy to what they love to do.

In over a decade of participation in Special Olympics, I’ve learned many athlete leadership skills that have helped me, and any athlete, move into an inclusive workplace. In today’s blog piece I will share with you five Special Olympics Athlete Leadership skills that have prepared me for my current employment at United Airlines, which includes: public speaking and interviews, getting outside of myself, having a global perspective, taking initiative, and valuing all members of a team.

Kurtis Jon Siu grew up in Hong Kong in a family of four, with an older brother who also has an intellectual disability. Kurtis credits Special Olympics with building his confidence, not only in sports but also by encouraging him to pursue his passions. One of those passions is art and design!

Brina faced many obstacles in early life, but she never gave up on her dream of being included. Today, she is a teacher, public speaker, and role model to all! #ChooseToInclude talented athletes like Brina. Sign the pledge @WeChallengeYou.org/pledge.

Special Olympics New York Rodney Hankins shifted his focus to coaching after many years of competing.

Stephanie Handojo discusses pushing past hurdles in life.

Special Olympics athlete and author Haseeb Abbasi shares his inspirational journey to entrepreneurship at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi.