Seeing the world through their eyes
Guest Author: Jessica Chai is a public speaking trainer from Toastmasters Singapore, who volunteered at Special Olympics Asia Pacific’s Athlete Leaders as Health Messengers Workshop. She imparted public speaking and media interview skills to athlete leaders with intellectual disabilities from 7 countries across the Asia Pacific to empower them to become advocates for inclusive health.
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 a Toastmasters club 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 a media training and public speaking workshop for a group of athlete leaders with intellectual disabilities from across the region.
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.
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.
