Hanna Atkinson SSIGM Blog #8: Why I love Special Olympics and my first trip with my new mentor
By Hanna Atkinson, Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger and Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Leader and Health Messenger
It is the month of love which is in February. I will tell you all many things I have loved ever since I came to be in this world!
Let me begin with this quote that really speaks to me: “Let me win, but If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This was said by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
One of many reflections I find to be important is learning through experiences. Many of which, you may find surprising!
My reflections will be in Q and A format. So get yourself in a comfortable place to read, and enjoy!
Why do I love Special Olympics?
I love it because it allows me to grow as a human and show respect in this world. It helps me to be a strong leader in my state and community and allows me to be myself with others who are valued in this world. It reminds me it is really important to spread the inclusion message as well as our health rights.
Being involved with Special Olympics Inc (SOI) and Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO)… we come together and make friends for life while playing sports as a family. We celebrate our successes together because it is very enriching to see that we care for everyone in Special Olympics and for the areas that each of us represent!
SOI and SOCO are like a second family to me. They accept who I really am and Special Olympics gives me the true sense of belonging and knowing that nobody judges one another. I love SOI and SOCO because they encourage inclusion, awesome health programs and athlete leadership.
Why do I love athlete leadership?
I love it because I can strengthen my skills and use it in my community and encourage others around me to showcase that all of us have something amazing to offer.
What does athlete leadership mean to me?
It means we respect one another and we can be there for our friends, knowing we are capable of the opportunities in this world to spread the Inclusion Revolution all across the globe.
What do I love about being a Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger (SSIGM)?
As I mentioned before, I have a new mentor who works for Special Olympics Colorado, she is spectacular and now works as an Athlete Leadership Program coordinator. All of you will be wondering the name of my new mentor and her name is Stephanie. Stephanie will be supporting and encouraging me as a SSIGM. When I met Stephanie, I told her how I was trained in Washington DC at the headquarters of Special Olympics that lead right into representing Colorado proudly at the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Summer as an International Global Messenger with other International Global Messengers from around the world. One conversation stood out to me, which was when I told Stephanie about doing this national SSIGM blog that we tell about what we are doing in our Regions and states for Special Olympics! The response from Stephanie was, “Wow, what a outstanding marvelous job that we are making the world a better place to live in.”
I love that the SSIGM’s are like one huge family and that we learn from each other and stay determined. Please come join us in the Inclusion Revolution and take the charge of advocating for our education and health programs. Who is with me?!?
Below are some other highlights from our trip to Washington D.C. for Capitol Hill Day:
