Donald Soor, a youth leader with intellectual disabilities from Papua New Guinea, remembers being bullied because of his disability. Making friends was a struggle, and speaking in front of others  was extremely stressful for the shy young man. 

Things however started to change when he got involved with Special Olympics Papua New Guinea as a youth leader advocating for people with intellectual disabilities in schools.

“That’s where I met Sylvester. We were paired to visit schools and talk about inclusion. I remember being nervous the first time. I didn’t know what to say. But Sylvester was beside me, and that helped,” recalls Donald.

“He used to stay in his comfort zone,” Sylvester Nandawo, Donald’s unified partner and fellow youth leader, recalls. “Now, he speaks to students and builds awareness.”

Since then, Donald has continued visiting schools with Sylvester, sharing his experiences of being excluded, and how on the flip slide,  being included and given the opportunity to lead, has changed things up for him. Each time he speaks up, he shows other students that it’s possible to step forward, even when it’s difficult.

“I didn’t think I could speak in front of others,” Donald says. “Now I want to help others do the same.”

In Pakistan, another youth leader is helping shift perspectives in his own way.

Meet Musa Hannan, a youth leader with intellectual disabilities, who grew up with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),  from Pakistan. Through Special Olympics Pakistan, he became part of a school awareness programme where he was paired with Talha Asif, his unified partner and a developmental therapist. Together, they speak to students about what inclusion means, and how small actions can make a real difference.

“My strategy is to include everyone despite their differences,” Musa says.

Talha also shares, “Inclusion gives students the confidence to participate, to speak, to belong.” He adds, “I’ve seen how just talking about these things openly help others think differently. It helps them understand that people with intellectual disabilities want the same things: respect, connection, and a chance to spark change.”

The school visits aren’t just about awareness – they are about shifting mindsets and making space for new friendships to grow. 

Musa and Donald’s leadership and sharing of their lived experiences in schools, reinforce that  inclusion isn’t a mere concept. It’s something that can, and should be applied daily.

Inclusive classrooms ultimately benefit all learners 

Educators like Laarni R. Alejandro, Principal of P. Villanueva Elementary School, in the Philippines, similarly echo the holistic benefits of inclusive education for all children.

“Inclusivity is strengthened in our school. Learners are more exposed and have the opportunity to strengthen not only their sports inclination but also their physical, social, mental, emotional, and holistic well-being,” she says. 

She was speaking earlier this year at a milestone event where Philippines became the first country in Asia Pacific to officially join the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion. 

Inclusion doesn’t have to be grandiose. It can begin with a small act of kindness, an open mind, the courage to listen and step out of our comfort zone, as our youth leaders demonstrate. These are the moments that build understanding and bridge differences – the foundation for creating inclusive classrooms and education for all. To follow more stories like these, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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Riya, a 22-year-old athlete from Special Olympics Bharat, who is about to compete on the global stage at the World Winter Games (WWG) 2025 in Turin, Italy, shares her journey:

“People used to tease me, saying that I do not have it in me to be a sportsperson. But after I joined Special Olympics Bharat, not only was my confidence boosted, but it also showed others that I have what it takes to be a successful player.”

Riya’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of determination, family support, and the unifying power of sport.

Growing up in the Solan District of Himachal Pradesh in a low-income agricultural family, Riya’s early life was steeped in isolation and discouragement. She recalls, “Previously in school, when people did not know me, I was often overlooked by teachers and bullied by peers. I felt invisible and undervalued. But ever since I joined the movement, people have started recognising me as a good athlete and treated me nicely.”

In 2015, she was introduced to sport when she joined Special Olympics Bharat through the Ganpati Educational Society, an NGO working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Riya’s journey began with the first-ever race camp held in Solan, a city in India, in 2016, where she discovered her passion for sport. Over time, she participated in multiple sports, including racing, badminton, and football, before choosing floorball as her primary sport. Each competition at the district, state, and national levels not only honed her athletic skills but also played a crucial role in rebuilding her self-confidence and sense of belonging.

Today, Riya’s daily routine reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence. Her mornings start with vigorous physical exercise that fuels her body, mind, and spirit, setting the stage for training sessions, academic responsibilities, and household chores.

Beyond sport, Riya has embraced leadership—captaining her team at the nationals in Gujarat and organising football camps. Her role extends into teaching floorball at her school, where she passes on the skills and confidence she has so diligently built. Moreover, she took ownership of strategising for the upcoming World Winter Games, a goal that drives her every day as she prepares to compete on a global stage.

Family support has been a cornerstone of her success, particularly her mother’s unwavering encouragement. This support, combined with her own perseverance, has transformed people’s perceptions of her into a celebrated athlete and role model.

Riya’s remarkable progress is reflected in her achievements on the field. From winning races to securing her place on the national Special Olympics team, every milestone underscores her hard work and dedication. Her story is not merely about personal triumph but also about inspiring others—demonstrating that with the right opportunities and persistent effort, no obstacle is insurmountable.

Her heartfelt message resonates with everyone who has ever been doubted. As she puts it, “Don’t pay attention to what people say; they will always undermine your capabilities. Keep pushing your boundaries to achieve milestones and just believe in yourself.” Her words encapsulate the essence of her journey—a narrative of transformation, hope, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Riya’s story, like many strong women we know, serves as a powerful reminder that women everywhere, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, have the potential to rise above perceived limitations and create their own unique paths to success. We see you; we celebrate you; we are proud of you.

The post Riya’s Journey: From Isolation to the World Winter Games appeared first on Human RACE.

I have seen first-hand the impact that COVID-19 has had on our athletes. Training and competitions came to a grinding halt, and many of our athletes experienced a drop in their sporting skills, fitness levels, as well as physical and mental well-being.

Thankfully, restrictions have since eased, but there’s still much that needs to be done as we rebuild. Putting our athletes first in our outreach programmes and competitions, reconnecting with volunteers who have halted their activities, recruiting new volunteers and coaches, engaging with schools and the wider special needs community, remains work that needs to be continually done.

Whenever I’m asked what the differences are between Special Olympics athletes and others, my answer remains consistent – that they are different only if we insist on seeing them differently. We utilize the same coaching techniques, ensuring all players understand our instructions and receive them in the right spirit and positive mindset, with the understanding that everyone is a valuable team member, with an equal opportunity to play.

If you’re curious about volunteering with communities that have intellectual disabilities, I fully encourage you to give it a try.

My advice would be to start off slow initially. Give yourself the time and space to experience the joys of volunteering. Get to know the athletes, build relationships, and over time start to volunteer on a more regular and committed basis.

Witnessing our athletes’ achievements & accomplishments can be truly amazing and inspiring. This was something I experienced first-hand at the recent Unified Cup in Detroit. An athlete came up to me after a match and told me that it was his very first time completing a full 60-minute football game, and it meant the world to him to have completed this athletic milestone.

As volunteers, we get to nurture, guide and mentor athletes in finding their place in society. Seeing the growth and maturity that my athletes have displayed over the years has indeed been a wonderful experience. If each and every one of us can take one small step and spend a bit of our time volunteering, our collective effort can make a genuine difference towards true inclusion in our society.

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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Human Race shares a few affirmations that can be referenced when speaking to family members or loved ones with intellectual disabilities to help them feel seen, valued and loved.

1. Be yourself, you have so much to offer: People with intellectual disabilities are unique individuals with their own talents, strengths and skills. By encouraging your loved one to embrace who they are s, you can help them see their worth and the positive impact they can have on their community.

2. You are not less worthy because of your disability: It’s important to remind individuals with intellectual disabilities that their worth is not defined by their disability. Reinforce their strengths and remind them that despite the challenges they face, they are just as worthy and deserving of love, respect and opportunities as anyone else.

3. You are seen, you are loved, and you are valued: In a world that often neglects or dismisses people with intellectual disabilities, it’s essential to remind them that they are not invisible. By expressing love and appreciation for who they are, you help them feel seen, valued and loved, which can have a profound impact on their self-esteem and confidence.

4. I believe in you and your potential: People with intellectual disabilities can do great things with the right support and training. Special Olympics Asia Pacific athletes demonstrate a plethora of talents – be that writing, teaching, athletics, music, or art! Many are survivors, overcoming considerable difficulties, to thrive in their respective vocations. By affirming their worth and supporting them in pursuing their goals and dreams, you can help them achieve great things and reach their full potential.

Affirmations can be a powerful tool for empowering and encouraging individuals with intellectual disabilities. By sincerely acknowledging their strengths, affirming their worth, and believing in their potential, we can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. Support us in our cause! To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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The stigma around mental health may prevent people from being vocal about the problems they face. Even today, pre-conceived notions and misperceptions exist. We have to break the bias. We can help ourselves, our friends, families and colleagues grappling with mental health issues to thrive by being allies and creating supportive and non-judgemental environments for each other.  

To be a mental health ally, Human Race has the following tips for you:  

1) Take care of yourself: As much as we want to be there for our loved ones, it’s imperative to know that it becomes increasingly difficult to be a mental health advocate if you’re suffering yourself. Be sure to take care of yourself and manage your mood by focusing on your mental health. Eating a balanced diet, going for walks, swimming, singing – engage yourself in the activities that make you feel at peace and add value to your otherwise busy day. This ensures feeling less overwhelmed by the stresses of daily life.  

2) Listen with empathy: Sometimes, just listening to someone and being a friend can make all the difference. Lending an ear without judgement and with intent, can help uncover clues about their mental health. It’s also of utmost importance to pay attention to nonverbal communication while they speak.  

3) Turn to professionals for help: Talk therapy can treat some mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. If you notice someone exhibiting signs of a mental illness, you can gently suggest seeking professional help to them. 

4) Ask how you can help: While some people look for solutions, some just want to be heard. Asking your loved ones gently what you can do to help ensures a safe and comfortable environment. A simple question like “What can I do to help you?” or “Would you like to talk about it?” goes a long way! 

5) Educate yourself: Reading up, researching online, talking to people, listening with an open mind – these are some ways you can educate yourself about mental health. The more you know, the better you advocate. Learn about the historical prejudice and stigma associated with mental health, and how difficult it makes for someone to open up or seek the help they require and can benefit from.  

A huge part about being a mental health ally is championing the cause and normalising conversations around it. If you’re reading this blog to educate yourself, you’re already taking the first step!  

The post How To Be A Mental Health Ally appeared first on Human RACE.

Human Race shines the spotlight on 3 inspiring individuals who have broken barriers – juggling work, play and more – proving that everyone can have it all when given the right opportunities to succeed. 

Finding value in employment – Dwight Saldito

Dwight Saldito could not walk or speak till the age of 6. Growing up, his younger siblings made fun of him for being different and slow. It was only at the age of 10, after he joined a group of athletes with disabilities training in sports with Special Olympics, that things changed. On the sports field, he gained friendships, strength and confidence.   

Over the years, Dwight has trained in athletics, basketball, football, bowling and table tennis, and even represented the Philippines at several Special Olympics World Games and Regional Games. The confidence he gained through sports empowered him to land a job at the age of 43 with Southstar Drug, a health and personal care retailer.  

Being employed brings empowerment. Dwight is now able to afford his mobile phone and an electric bike, while also finding the confidence to speak up and contribute to society. He is now his family’s breadwinner, something that brings him indescribable pride. “Having a job is one of the best things that has happened in my life, and my greatest hope is that more employers all over the world can open their doors, hearts and minds to workers like me,” he says. 

Advocating for Equality – Tegan Crotty 

Before she sustained a serious right foot injury three years ago, Tegan was swimming up to four times a week. Being a part of Special Olympics helped her realise that she wasn’t alone. While she was the only person in a wheelchair at her school, she was around many people with similar disabilities at Special Olympics. Tegan has spina bifida and hydrocephalus (build-up of fluid on the brain). “Swimming is a great equaliser. In the pool, I’m like everyone else, my disability is nothing,” she says.   

Tegan has qualifications in business administration and computing. For over six years, she has worked at Paper Plus, New Zealand’s largest retailer of books and stationery. She’s also been volunteering at the Red Cross charity shop for over 10 years.  

With Special Olympics, she has trained as a spokesperson and ambassador, advocating for more inclusive communities and equal opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across New Zealand. “For me, my disability is a part of who I am, not the entire picture. That came about because of Special Olympics.”  

Breaking all barriers – Keshav Malik  

Keshav was diagnosed at age 2 with microcephaly, a condition which affected the growth of his brain. The condition delayed his cognitive and physical progress and left him with permanent developmental disabilities. Although he was slower than others in learning certain tasks, he had a gift when it came to sports.  

He attributes his success to his father, the first person to observe his sporting inclination. His training with Special Olympics helped him develop discipline and focus in daily activities. In 2011, he represented India in badminton at the Special Olympics World Games in Athens and returned with gold and silver medals. 

He became the first special needs athlete to be esteemed with the Bhim Award, the highest sports honour given by the government of Haryana, India. In 2018, he was employed by the state government of Haryana as a coach, a position opened only to those with remarkable sporting talent and performance.  

“Today, I try my best to enable my students to turn their passion into reality. Beyond just being their sports coach, I strive to be their mentor and pillar of support,” says Keshav. “I want them to know that there is no challenge too difficult to overcome.”  

Meaning and Motivation 

Meaningful work empowers people to be a part of something larger than themselves. Every Special Olympics athlete who is employed has reported increased self-esteem due to a daily purpose and contribution to society. They are motivated by the tasks set before them, inspired to do their best possible work.  

You can be a part of this movement, to be a better ally to people with intellectual disabilities at the workplace. Find out more by following @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific!

The post Breaking Barriers At The Workplace appeared first on Human RACE.

But people with intellectual disabilities are more than capable of being extraordinary entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders. They exemplify the qualities employers seek in an ideal employee like resourcefulness and adaptability. Meet three Special Olympics athlete leaders who are meaningfully employed, and find out why every organization should hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: 

Untapped Potential  

Businesses that do not hire people with disabilities miss out on a vast untapped pool of talent. Workers with disabilities possess skills and experiences that can offer employers a competitive edge. 

For example, Tim Gould is a Special Olympics Australia athlete who works as a full-time grounds and maintenance staff at Arethusa college while training for tennis five to six days a week. He is the Number One singles tennis player in the world with Down syndrome, having won numerous medals such as the Men’s Singles PWII2 2021 Brisbane Australian Tennis Championships and a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle swim relay at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. Skills he picks up in the sports arena are lessons he brings to the workplace. He exemplifies valuable qualities from leadership and teamwork, to focus and discipline, and is testament to how valuable people with disabilities can be as employees.   

Improve Company Morale and Culture

A company’s culture is imperative to hiring and retaining quality staff. When you hire someone with a disability, the company is also actively encouraging empathy, inclusivity, and diversity in their workplace. By committing to social responsibility, a company is demonstrating to their employees and customers their interest in broader social issues impacting the community and the people in it.  

Sumant Kale is a 29-year-old athlete from Bhopal whose fitness regime is a way of life. He carries the same mental fortitude to his fitness as he does to his work. Having started vocational training in 2007 for 4 years at Divya Darshika Rehabilitation Centre, he was one of the first students who received employment at the centre’s tea packaging unit when it opened. To this day, he works happily alongside his friends at the centre, whose staff counts over 27 people with intellectual disabilities as part of their team.  

Fostering a resilient workforce 

People with disabilities are often creative and resilient. They are natural problem solvers, having to overcome multiple challenges in their lives. They also tend to bring a strong sense of loyalty and inclusive mindsets to the workplace.  

Ruby Lawler is a Special Olympics Australia athlete who has made it her life’s goal to educate others on creating inclusive communities through sport. She has overcome health and physical challenges to compete as a swimmer, and that has paid off in a gold medal in the 400m freestyle and a Silver in the 1500m Open water Race at the Special Olympics National Games in Melbourne and Adelaide. The lessons she’s learnt as an athlete such as resilience and sportsmanship have armed her with the knowledge to be a leader. She now sits on the board of Special Olympics Gladstone and advocates for more inclusive communities in Australia and across the Asia Pacific.  

How Can I Be More Inclusive? 

Being inclusive means treating people with disabilities as equals, looking at their skill sets and what they can bring to the workplace without bias. Giving everyone an opportunity will show that people with disabilities are more than capable of advocating for themselves given all the right tools.  

Dipak Natali, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Asia Pacific, sums it up, “You do not hire someone because they have a disability, you hire someone because they can do the job, regardless of their disability.” 

To learn more about how you can be an ally to people with disabilities at work, follow @soasiapacific and @humanraceasia. 

The post 3 Reasons Why Hiring People With Intellectual Disabilities Is Good For Your Business appeared first on Human RACE.

Meet these exceptional women who have been advocating for change, to create a more accepting and inclusive world for all.   

Aliyah Hidayah – Taking what I need to be the woman I want to be 

Aliyah wears many hats: enterprising student, active volunteer, and youth advocate.  

Currently completing her diploma in common engineering, Aliyah has been actively engaged with Special Olympics Singapore since 2015 when she was introduced to the Badminton Outreach Program and Young Athletes Program. 

When she realised the low level of societal awareness of the struggles faced by people with intellectual disabilities, Aliyah was determined to do her part to help end discrimination towards people with intellectual disabilities. 

Aliyah has not always been this confident and outspoken, in fact, she never thought she could be a leader. “The athletes of Special Olympics have helped me find my voice, my confidence, and my leadership abilities. The fortitude and joy I’ve experienced have been indescribable. I have become a better player, better leader, better person, and I pledge to do all I can to end injustice, and to do my part to provide more opportunities for people with disabilities to shine in all aspects of their lives.” 

 Navjot & Rekha – Making a difference 

Meet Navjot and Rekha, special educators in India who volunteer with the Special Olympics Young Athletes program – an early intervention sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities. 

Over the past 6 years, they have travelled across Punjab, going door to door to reach out to countless parents to stress the importance of keeping children engaged in sport and play. 

Their inspiring stories of watching children with intellectual disabilities not just progress, but blossom with confidence sends a clear message, “Do not hide your special children. Be proud of them, not ashamed.”  

Although they have had people turn them away, or households asking them for money in exchange for their children attending their program, they refuse to give up. “People ask us, why we choose to do what we do. Our answer is simple: Every child deserves a chance and a head start in life, no matter their ability.” 

Jasmine Sharif – Everyone deserves dignity and respect 

Jasmine Sharif is an athlete with Sotos Syndrome. She has been advocating for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities in her home country of Pakistan, as well as globally.  

Her journey with Special Olympics began as a swimmer, competing at the Special Olympics World Games held in China and the Regional Asia Pacific Games in Australia. Most recently, she competed in the 2019 World Games held in Abu Dhabi, where she won a bronze medal for swimming. 

Leading by example, she now guides other athletes as an assistant coach in Special Olympics Pakistan. She travels the world, speaking about the importance of inclusion. She strives to constantly improve herself by learning new skills beyond sports, earning herself a qualification in graphic design.  

She says, “Having a disability is like having superpowers. Enjoy your superpowers! If people don’t understand and make fun of you, just smile and walk away.” 

Here’s to strong women, may we be them, raise them and know them. Together, there are no limits to what we can accomplish. Human Race applauds these extraordinary women who have imagined a brighter and kinder future for all of us! 

To learn more about the journeys of these impressive women and what they stand for, follow our socials: @humanraceasia & @soasiapacific. 

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Meet three young leaders – with and without intellectual disabilities – who have been unstoppable and unapologetic in their pursuit of a more inclusive world: 

Sili Ah Ching is a determined individual with extraordinary willpower! He demonstrates the ability to bring great change in this world. As the first athlete from Special Olympics Samoa who was hired as an intern at the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development in Samoa, he paves the way for more training and employment opportunities for young people with intellectual disabilities in the country. He completed his internship and now helps Special Olympics Samoa on an ad-hoc basis with administrative tasks. 

Syed Ali Roshan is a Special Olympics youth leader who works with Haseeb Abbasi, an athlete leader with autism from Pakistan. They’ve worked on multiple projects to advocate for inclusion worldwide and forged a valuable friendship in the process. His advice to the world is – the next time you see someone with an intellectual disability, don’t shun them. Instead, go up to them, talk to them and get to know them. All they really want is an equal opportunity to live, work, play and be treated as equals. 

• Isabela Dominique (Sashi) Montaña – The Leader By Example  

She’s a pioneer youth leader who has been involved with Special Olympics for almost a decade. Sashi has struggled with bullying and mental health personally, and understands how people with intellectual disabilities feel when bullied. She has represented Special Olympics Asia Pacific at various international platforms, including Global Youth Summits. Among many other honours, she was invited as a special guest to the White House in 2014, hosted by the 44th President and First Lady of the United States, Barack and Michelle Obama to celebrate Generation Unified. Her vision? “I dream of a world where inclusion will no longer be something that we have to advocate for because it will already be the norm.”

To support our cause and find out how you can be a part of our inclusion movement, visit @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.   

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 A difficult childhood 

Te Huia was born with autism, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. When he first moved in with us, he barely talked. He had very little structure in his early years. My grandchildren were part of an athletics club at the time, and I got him to join them when he was about 9. Through the club, we learnt about Special Olympics in New Zealand.  

While he’s earned the nickname “Rocket Man” for his success in running, Te Huia’s race through his early life has not been easy. He was in a special needs unit in school, but struggled to fit in. Teachers there seemed to expect him to behave like a mainstream student. They didn’t understand that if they put too much pressure on him, he would not cope. They would teach him numbers one day, but he would forget what was taught a few days later and they would get upset with him. The pressure would often overwhelm him and cause him to have meltdowns.  

He’s had a few meltdowns in public, and some people have passed horribly callous comments like “he should have been put down at birth” or that “he needs to be on drugs”. People can be so cruel. Usually, I just tell them to back off and leave him alone.  

One time, we were at a swimming event at his High School, and one of the mainstream students who had been put into the wrong event turned around and yelled, “How dare they put me in with the retards!” I was so upset, but I held myself back from telling the boy off publicly. I knew that his attitude had likely been shaped by his parents or the people around him, and it wasn’t his fault. I was disappointed too that the teachers didn’t correct him then. 

Finding his passion through sport 

Te Huia has been with Special Olympics for 14 years now, and loves being part of the team. It provides him an inclusive environment where he’s accepted and respected for his talents. He’s great at long distance running. His best events are the 3,000m and 1,500m. He’s accumulated a room full of medals over the years – every single one a testament of what he’s capable of. How many of us have bragging rights to 6 marathons, 40 half marathons, and several triathlons? 

Some people ask me why Te Huia isn’t employed, and I ask them right back, “Are you going to give him a job?” The answer, sadly, is usually no. He’s had several attempts to find work, but somehow, things have not worked out. He was working in a rest home helping with general cleaning, but because he was not provided with proper supervision, some residents got upset with him and he had to leave. Another time, he was employed doing simple baking, but unfortunately, the shop closed, and the staff had to be let go. These days, he keeps busy with chores and odd jobs for friends, as well as tasks on my daughter’s farm. 

Seeing beyond disability 

I wish the world can see what I see – that Te Huia is an amazing young man. He’s got such a good heart. He is polite and never vicious or nasty to other people. Even when he gets overwhelmed, he doesn’t hurt others, but he will beat himself up. When he was younger, he would really beat himself terribly, but as he grew older, we’ve channeled this energy to his running. It’s been so rewarding to see what he’s accomplished through sports.  

Running has empowered him to find his strength, his confidence and his voice. Apart from Special Olympics, Te Huia also trains with another running group for persons with disabilities, Achilles. We met trainers who got him started on triathlons. He’s been so disciplined and focused on his training that he completed a half Ironman last Christmas, and the experience was awesome. He’s made so many friends through sports, and has earned quite a reputation for himself in the community for being unstoppable! 

Our days together are busy and fulfilling. We’re never just sitting idle. We’re usually out for a run, a bike ride, swimming, at the gym, sports training, grocery shopping, or visiting family and friends. If we’re home, we have a personal trainer that comes train with Te Huia, or we’ll be catching up on chores. The lockdown during Covid-19 was challenging. We channeled his energy into jigsaw puzzles, chores like mowing the lawn, and cooking. Te Huia is a great cook. His favourite dishes are healthy stewed vegetables and meat. 

Looking towards the future 

We are looking forward to the Special Olympics New Zealand national games later this year where Te Huia will get to compete again. In fact, his biggest dream is to be able to represent his country one day and inspire the world with what he can do.  

My message to all parents of children or adults with special needs is to get them into sport. It is such a healthy way to build their confidence and social skills and include them as part of the larger community. 

I hope to one day see a kinder society where no one is judged. Don’t look at someone’s disability, look inside, and see what people are really like. When people get to know Te Huia, they realize he’s such a dream. They say I’ve done a good job as a foster parent, but I tell them it’s because I had a superb base to work with. We didn’t do much, we simply brought out all the good that was already in him.  

To borrow the words of Condoleezza Rice, “Every life is worthy, and every life is capable of greatness. We have an obligation to make sure that opportunity for greatness is there.”  

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