Kansas City Chiefs star, Jamaal Charles spoke at the 2015 Special Olympic Opening Ceremony. The talented running back is better known for tearing down defenses on the field, but what has impacted him the most has always been the Special Olympics.
As a kid, Charles revealed that he was diagnosed with a learning disability. He felt helpless but it was through the Special Olympics that he was able to reclaim his confidence and success.
When he was just 10 years old Charles managed to snag a gold medal after competing in track and field at the Special Olympics — this big win is what put him on track to the NFL.
"When I was a boy, I had trouble reading. I found out I had learning disabilities," Charles said. "People made fun of me. They said I would never go anywhere, but I learned I can fly."
The speech is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting. Sometimes hardship is one of the stepping stones to success. Denzel Washington revealed, at a college commencement, that he flunked with a GPA of 1.7; then, well, the rest is history.
The Special Olympics is an organization that allows adults with intellectual disabilities to train and compete in athletics.
Founded in 1962 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver who started a day camp for those with learning disabilities, the program helped to promote research that uncovered those with learning disabilities would see benefits in every aspect of their lives if they are given the opportunity to engage in physical activities.
Jamaal Charles is living proof of that research. See his incredible speech below and SHARE if you find his perseverance inspiring!
