Reporter (R): What role did you play at the Global Special Olympics Athlete Summit as the global messenger of the Special Olympics?

Tina (T): I made a speech at the opening ceremony of the event addressing two core values in the Special Olympics: acceptance and respect. I told them my story and spoke about where I saw those important principles in my work experiences. I told everyone about how because of the Special Olympics, I was not only able to find a job and support myself but also able to find acceptance and respect at work. Many of my colleagues helped me and encouraged me.

 

R: Many people and many important figures such as Her Royal Highness Princess Lala Amina were present when you made the speech. How do you feel about presenting a speech about the Special Olympics in front of such a crowd?

T: Making a speech in front of so many important people was not easy. But I my friends and my husband supported me and I delivered my speech better than I could have imagined. I was also very proud that I could give such an important speech.

 

R: What do you think was the most rewarding experience during the event?

T: I found the discussion of the four to five year plan very enriching and interesting. Athletes from the 170 countries involved with the Special Olympics each had great ideas as to how to improve Special Olympics Programs in their regions. Each athlete had a unique opinion and vision for the future. I learned a lot about expanding the Special Olympics and involving volunteers, coaches, parents and sponsors into the Special Olympics programs.

 

R: As the global messenger, you travel to many places around the world raising awareness. Can you share some of your cultural experiences in Morocco?

During my stay in Morocco we had lunch in the desert. Each group was served absolutely amazing food in separate tents and after the meal we rode camels. It was my first time riding a camel and I enjoyed it so much I rode two camels, a small one and a big one. It was a great activity for many of the Special Olympics athletes because it was something we had never done before. Although the weather in Morocco was very hot and I did not speak the local language, the people there are very warm and welcoming.

 

R: Were there any memorable moments that you would like to share with us?

T: Definitely! The Congress was a very enjoyable experience. I met a new friend during our group discussion of the five year plan. Mary is an American Special Olympics athlete who enjoys swimming more than any other sport. I encouraged her to be the leader of our group during the meeting. I love meeting new people so making new friends during this event was very memorable to me. Another unforgettable moment was when I was at the East Asia booth sharing the events and happenings in the East Asia division of the Special Olympics to government officials, sports stars, celebrities and sponsors, inviting them to sign our poster board, an NBA basketball player put on the Chinese princess headdress on display at the booth and helped me with the booth. It was very funny and I couldn’t stop laughing.

 

R: What do you think was the best part of the 2010 Special Olympics Global Congress?

T: I will definitely remember all the lessons I’ve learned and the funny moments I experienced, but most of all, I will remember the unity and the spirit demonstrated by the many athletes and participants of the Congress.

 

By

Katherine Tsen Hiu Yung, Special Olympics Volunteer (Beijing)