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Making of a Special Olympian
Monday 11 January 2021
In this May 18, 2019 file photo, (from left) K-Sean Hercules, Yinga Commissiong, Everton Redman and Jodie Jebodh participate in a race during the Special Olympics Day, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. PHOTO BY AYANNA KINSALE. - Ayanna Kinsale
TALENT, unfailing belief, sacrifice, commitment, sweat, pain and most importantly a desire to be the best are key characteristics of an Olympian.
Similarly, and surprisingly to some, intellectually disabled athletes who compete at the Special Olympics also endure an equally, and even more physically and mentally demanding regimen to reach their fullest potential.
What and who drives their inspiration and motivation to excel in sport? How does a coach get into the mind of an intellectually disabled athlete to get the best performance out of them?