Andrew Williams, Special Olympics athlete and International Global Messenger, continued his journey spreading the word of Special Olympics. Andrew was asked to speak to a group of people who have migrated to Australia and use English as a second language.
A very hard call for someone with an intellectual disability who also has to break the language barrier. But since going to the World Games in China last year Andrew seems to have mastered the art of pitching a speech to the right audience.
He was a hit and everyone wanted to learn more about Special Olympics and the great community it provides.
The theme for Andrew's speech can be loosely described as "Being different and making it work for you".
Here's what he said:
Thank you for having me here today.
My name is Andrew Williams and I want to talk to you about how it feels to be different.
I understand that you have all come to Australia from another country and that you are improving your English.
It must be very hard to fit into a new culture but Australians are very accepting. You just have to find the right people to support you.
I know because I have a disability.
That makes me different too.
Until I was in my teens I couldn't speak very well and I didn't really fit in at school. School was frustrating and I got into trouble. But then someone told me to get involved in Special Olympics which provides sport for people with an intellectual disability.
So, I started playing basketball with Special Olympics and my life improved.
Through Special Olympics and sport I have learnt new skills and made new friends. I have found a place where I belong and it has helped me with all aspects of my life.
I've now done things that I never thought I could do.
Last year I even went to China as an ambassador for the Special Olympics World Games.
It was very interesting to see another culture and to talk to people who don't speak English as a first language. But I made some effort and everyone was very nice. I have some photos from the trip which you can have a look at later.
I'm very proud of what I have achieved and I can now say that being different is OK. You just have to be confidant and work together…you never know what can happen if you try. Even if it is sometimes a bit scary!
So get involved in your community and see what opportunities there are to learn about new things.
You are always welcome to come and help out at Special Olympics and see what fun it is to be part of a group that accepts each other.
Thankyou / Shay Shay [Chinese for thank you]
To find out more about the Athlete Leadership Program and how you can get more inovlved in public speaking, please contact Amy Lovegrove at the National Office on 02 8116 9840
