Particular Olympics Jamaica athlete David Duncan is a tall and slim determine, who wears elegant glasses. He speaks softly however clearly, ensuring he’s understood. His considerate demeanor and robust management abilities are giant causes he finds himself because the newly named chairperson for the International Athlete Management Council (GALC). On this position, he leads athlete leaders from every of the seven areas who present suggestions, steering, and concepts to the Particular Olympics Worldwide Board of Administrators and Management Workforce.
Particular Olympics Guatemala athlete Daniel Guerra at the moment serves because the vice chair.
“To have been elected as the brand new Chair of the GALC signifies that I not solely signify athletes with IDD [intellectual and development disabilities] in my Area, North America, however athletes in all seven Areas,” Duncan says of the appointed position. “I now should work along with my fellow GALC members to deliver consciousness worldwide to create a extra inclusive world. I additionally will work along with the employees of SOI, Area leads and with the assistance of my mentor, to show to the world that each athlete has the flexibility to attain if given an opportunity.”
“David is a tremendous athlete chief and we’re so excited to have him representing SONA, however he additionally desires to be sure that he could make a a lot bigger affect if he listens to and shares the voices of athletes from all around the world,” Alyssa Cress, supervisor, inclusive management improvement for Particular Olympics, says about Duncan being within the position.
Duncan acquired his begin in Particular Olympics as a volunteer throughout Jamaica’s nationwide video games. Whether or not or not he deliberate on turning into an athlete, that single second would change his life ceaselessly.
He discovered volleyball and over time would meet Roy Howell and Lorna Bell, leaders inside the Particular Olympics Jamaica Program. As soon as he made the transition to competing in Particular Olympics, he developed an immense sense of delight in with the ability to play Particular Olympics Unified Sports activities®, groups that deliver people with and with out mental disabilities collectively to coach and compete.
Picture by Will Schermerhorn/SOI
“David is a tremendous younger man with nice potential. David has made an important affect in his position each regionally and internationally,” Roy Howell, Particular Olympics Jamaica Government Director, says. “David’s position has an important affect on his fellow athletes, coaches, mother and father and volunteers. We’ve seen his development and are very pleased with his contribution to Particular Olympics Jamaica.” Howell additionally applauds Duncan for profiting from each alternative that comes up.
Duncan credit Particular Olympics for his private improvement exterior of sports activities. Having autism, he mentions his struggles and the way Particular Olympics helped with that, particularly when he might study with and from people with related experiences. “I’ve developed management qualities due to the programs I’ve performed with Particular Olympics,” Duncan says.
“David is a tremendous athlete chief, and we’re so excited to have him representing SONA, however he additionally is aware of that he could make a a lot bigger affect if he listens to and shares the voices of athletes from all around the world,” Cress says. “All of our Areas are so totally different, and you will need to have a various illustration of athletes who reside somewhere else, have totally different experiences, and have a special perspective on what our athletes want,” Cress continues.
Since turning into a Particular Olympics athlete, Duncan has taken benefit of the assets the group supplies, slowly rising into the chief he’s at this time. He is aware of his new platform is a giant one and acknowledges the necessity to advocate not only for himself, however athletes around the globe.
