My Champion of Inclusion
By Renee Manfredi, Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger & Special Olympics Hawaii athlete leader
My years in school were always scary, overwhelming, and pretty lonely. I was expected to keep up like everyone else. But I wasn’t like everyone else. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t keep up. I could never go to school and just have a good day.
Despite my attempts to make friends, most of the time, it was a big failure. I came home in tears often because I was made fun of. I didn’t understand what kids would ask me and they thought that was funny. Sometimes I was so frustrated that I cried. That made people laugh. I never laugh when people cry. I know when people cry, they are hurt, inside or outside and they want help.
If I wasn’t being picked on, I was ignored or talked over like I was invisible. It made me feel so small.
That all changed when I joined Special Olympics Hawaii. For the first time in my life, I was welcomed and accepted for who I am. I was suddenly surrounded by people who wanted to include me and, for the first time, wanted to hear what I had to say.
In honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day, I wanted to share my thoughts about Champions of Inclusion. What makes a Champion of Inclusion?
To me, it is someone who cares more about a person than people’s opinions. Someone who is willing to take a stand that others not be discriminated against. Someone who is going to look past a disability and find the ability. Someone who is not afraid of being made fun of or given a hard time for their choice because, they too, will hear about their choice to include Someone different.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, to me, was THE Champion of Inclusion. She was willing to speak up for what she believed was right. Determined to show the world that people with intellectual disabilities were something other than a burden. That WE were people with value. She didn’t take NO for an answer.
Her example has been the inspiration for many since 1968. I have been fortunate enough to know another champion equally as determined. Like Eunice, she is determined to show the world WE are just like everyone else. She is not one to take NO for an answer but instead accepts the challenge knows this is an invitation for change.
That Champion of Inclusion is Nip Ho, Senior Vice President of Programs for Special Olympics Hawaii. I first met Nip Ho when I became a Special Olympics athlete in 2008. Back then, I was getting used to being included— not just on the playing field, but off of it, too.
In 2009, she asked me a question that would change my life, not only as an athlete, but the direction my life was going. She invited me to join the Special Olympics Hawaii Toastmasters club. The only Special Olympics Toastmasters. I didn’t even know what that was. “Would I still be an athlete?” I asked. “Of course!” she said. This was our first real meeting, but not nearly our last. Nip became not only my mentor but my friend.
Nip is often behind the scenes working tirelessly to be sure everyone has their best chance to be more than they ever dreamed possible. She is continually looking for opportunities. Where there is a NO, not here, she is making it a YES, right here.
Nip is continually striving for an inclusive world by creating programs for the youngest and the oldest, like walking clubs run by athletes, Toastmasters for athletes, preschool play days in our public schools, as well as every program in between. She is determined we will not be overlooked — always thinking of how to put us in the front row as leaders, speakers and achievers. Her goal is to demonstrate to others that we have as much value and input as everyone else. And like Eunice, she is willing to take her time to dig a little deeper, to be hands-on, to make things inclusive.
For me personally, I wouldn’t be who I am today without Nip Ho. She encouraged me to do something I never even imagined to become a Global Messenger. When she asked me to become a Global Messenger, I had no idea I could be a public speaker and have the confidence to stand on a podium in front of thousands of people, but here I am. I was terrified, but she just kept telling me, “Don’t stress, just have fun.” She sees things you didn’t know were there and takes the time to bring them to the surface. I think she’s very brave and she’s made me brave, too. She’s shown me I am not invisible. And now, I’m not ashamed. She’s made me feel like I can do and achieve ANYTHING.
The Inclusion Revolution is not over. People may get left behind, but not on Nip’s watch, not if she has anything to say about it. Not until she’s tried every idea. Not until the mission is complete. Not until every child, every student, every adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities in every way, every day are given the best chance at their best life. Nip Ho is truly a Champion of Inclusion.
