An Incessant Journey Of Doing Good

The Special Olympics will turn 50 next year and in the time since its inception nothing has come in its way of sending out a clear message of compassion for those with intellectual disabilities.

- Mary Davis

I am honoured to have been a part of this journey of Special Olympics for close to four decades now. It was back in 1978, when the founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, brought this unique programme to Ireland. Her vision and leadership qualities inspired me to become a volunteer for the Special Olympics movement as I used to be a teacher in a special school in my homeland and always had the ambition to work for, and with, these special people.

The movement was set in motion by Shriver in 1968, but was still new to me when I joined 10 years later. The experience of being a volunteer for this programme went a long way in moulding me into the person that I am. The basic aim for every individual working in this programme is to keep improving and strengthening it so  that people with intellectual disabilities are aided in living the life they deserve.

During my time as the national director of Special Olympics in Ireland, we tried several things to improve the programme and strengthen it. We organised the first European Games across 19 countries which was followed by the World Games in 2003, where I served as the chief executive officer. It was a huge achievement for us all as it was the first time that the World Games were held outside the U.S. Fourteen years later, I am now the chief executive of this prestigious organisation after working in Europe–Eurasia as the president and managing director for close to eight years.

It is very gratifying to be in this position and experience its growth and development—something that began in the U.S. is now spread across 172 countries. It gives me immense joy and satisfaction that we had an impact on so many lives.