Contributed by Jessica Chai Pei Shan, ACB, ALB
I grew up shy and afraid to speak. As an adult, public speaking didn’t get any easier. I spent my first job dodging meetings that would potentially require me to make presentations. Six years ago, my life took an unexpected turn.
I started volunteering at Money Mastery (Singapore) Toastmasters in Singapore, part of an international non-profit organization that promotes public speaking. Gradually, I grew in confidence and it improved my relationships with friends and co-workers. I became passionate about raising awareness about speaking confidently and found my calling in motivating others.
As Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Recently, Special Olympics Asia Pacific invited me to conduct media training and public speaking workshop for a group of athlete leaders with intellectual disabilities from across the region.
Special Olympics Asia Pacific conducted a training to empower athletes with intellectual disabilities to become advocates for inclusive health.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQkd3195u4c
The organization’s cause of social inclusion and inclusive health resonated with me and prompted me to volunteer at Special Olympics Asia Pacific’s Athlete Leaders as Health Messengers Training workshop, held in Singapore.
Initially, I was apprehensive and uncertain about how the athlete leaders would respond to my workshop, and whether I would be able to adapt my training style effectively.
My worries were unfounded. They were warm and open to what I had to share. My experience interacting with them completely inspired me.
Volunteer trainer Jessica Chai (centre, front row) was inspired by her experience interacting with Special Olympics athlete leaders.
Reflections: Live a Limitless Life!
As a volunteer trainer, I aimed to deliver a bespoke workshop to encourage the athlete leaders to speak with confidence and without fear.
During the session, I was moved by their personal stories of change and growth, and how they overcame the toughest of hurdles to become champions both on and off the sporting field.
The energy and spirit of perseverance shown by the 20 athlete leaders and their mentors from 7 countries across the Asia Pacific region was nothing short of amazing.
No words can express how gratified and humbled I felt after the experience.
Truly, giving is receiving. I found joy during my interaction with the athlete leaders who exemplified resilience and inspired me to live life without limits. I believe that the confidence one can gain from speaking can overflow to other arenas such as sports, to build resilience, strength and tenacity.
It has truly been my privilege to serve. I’m honoured to have been a part of their journey to go on and inspire other athletes with intellectual disabilities to lead full, healthy and active lives.
Our MMTMC member and past Exco member, Pamela Lau also volunteered as a facilitator who brings forth her Toastmasters skills to nurture and uncover the speaking talents of the athlete leaders. Pamela says, “ I am inspired by their positive attitude in learning new things”
How Special Olympics has transformed their lives
Philippines’ athlete leader, Marlon T. Tindoc represented 4 sports (soccer, bocce, athletics, bowling)! Another athlete leader from Brunei, Mohd Fuad, shared about his motivation was to encourage his best friend to join the programme and inspire others together.
Vietnam’s athlete leader, Nguyen Ngoc Ban Tran travelled for the first time to Los Angeles for the World Games. She was a proud athlete representing Vietnam in bocce. Tran’s story is about how a father’s dedication helped her get over a crippling fear, overcoming the odds and allowing her to soar. Now, Tran advocates for people with intellectual disabilities beyond her shores. She hopes to become a coach, a mentor and inspiration to other athletes.
(Video: https://www.facebook.com/soasiapacific/videos/1156378061205042/)
Volunteer trainer Shan (left) gives athlete leader Nazir Akmal from Special Olympics Malaysia tips on public speaking techniques.
Malaysia’s athlete leader Nazir Akmal summed up his experience, “I want to inspire other people with intellectual disabilities to lead a full and healthy life, and to let the world know that we all deserve the right to quality healthcare.”
On the last day of the workshop, these athlete leaders received professional media training from sports TV veteran, John Dykes of Fox Sports Asia and presented confidently as guest speakers on the show. It made me smile to see their transformation!
View more high-res photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/648l0m848i60dc0/AACATmTIfeahYgM-B62zWdjRa?dl=0