Photo Credit: Gregory Bull/ AP
Many people do not know that superstar running back Jamaal Charles competed in the Special Olympics when he was younger. Charles actually won a gold medal in a track and field competition, no surprise if you have ever seen this guy run down the field! He struggled with a learning disability when he was growing up and did not gain confidence until he competed in the games.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlDsGH5nKFo#t=121
Charles was made fun of during his childhood because he could not read. He was ten years old when he competed in the games. Naturally, he was chosen to deliver a speech during yesterday’s opening ceremony in Los Angeles. He described what the games did for him. He explained, “The Special Olympics gave me my first chance to discover a talent I did not know I had.” He talks about the fear he had when he was younger. Charles has gone on to become an All-American in high school, win a National Championship in college, and now an All-Pro running back in the NFL. He is proof that nothing can hold you back as long as you believe in yourself. Check out the rest of Charles’ speech above.
