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 powerful management expertise are massive causes he finds himself because the newly named chairperson for the World 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 Staff.
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 no longer solely symbolize 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 workers of SOI, Area leads and with the assistance of my mentor, to show to the world that each athlete has the power to attain if given an opportunity.”
“David is an incredible athlete chief and we’re so excited to have him representing SONA, however he additionally needs to guarantee that he could make a a lot bigger impression if he listens to and shares the voices of athletes from everywhere in the world,” Alyssa Cress, supervisor, inclusive management growth for Particular Olympics, says about Duncan being within the position.
Duncan received his begin in Particular Olympics as a volunteer throughout Jamaica’s nationwide video games. Whether or not or not he deliberate on changing 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 throughout 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 having the ability to play Particular Olympics Unified Sports activities®, groups that deliver people with and with out mental disabilities collectively to coach and compete.
Photograph by Will Schermerhorn/SOI
“David is an incredible younger man with nice potential. David has made an incredible impression in his position each regionally and internationally,” Roy Howell, Particular Olympics Jamaica Government Director, says. “David’s position has an incredible impression on his fellow athletes, coaches, mother and father and volunteers. We have now seen his progress and are very happy with his contribution to Particular Olympics Jamaica.” Howell additionally applauds Duncan for making the most of each alternative that comes up.
Duncan credit Particular Olympics for his private growth outdoors of sports activities. Having autism, he mentions his struggles and the way Particular Olympics helped with that, particularly when he may be taught with and from people with related experiences. “I’ve developed management qualities due to the programs I’ve achieved with Particular Olympics,” Duncan says.
“David is an incredible 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 impression if he listens to and shares the voices of athletes from everywhere in the world,” Cress says. “All of our Areas are so completely different, and you will need to have a various illustration of athletes who dwell somewhere else, have completely different experiences, and have a unique perspective on what our athletes want,” Cress continues.
Since changing into a Particular Olympics athlete, Duncan has taken benefit of the sources the group offers, slowly rising into the chief he’s at the moment. He is aware of his new platform is a giant one and acknowledges the necessity to advocate not only for himself, however athletes world wide.
