In January 2024, it was introduced that Margaret Turley, from Kilkenny, Eire, was to develop into one in every of ten SSGMs for the interval 2024 to 2027. She joined Gilmour Borg from Particular Olympics Malta as one in every of two messengers representing the Particular Olympics Europe Eurasia area. SSGM is a prestigious and coveted spokesperson function which is able to see Margaret, Gilmour and the eight different messengers representing the Particular Olympics motion, and their fellow athletes, to the world. Earlier than Margaret flew to the USA, she took the time to reply some questions on her journey to this point and her hopes for this new function and journey!
How did you uncover the thrilling information that you simply had been one of many new SSGMs?
I found the thrilling information when the Particular Olympics Eire crew performed a video from Tim Shriver the place he made the announcement that I used to be profitable with my SSGM utility.
The place had been you, who had been you with and what was your response?
I used to be invited to the Particular Olympics Eire workplace with my household and mates, the place there was a ‘get collectively’ organised to search out out if my utility for the SSGM function was profitable or not. I went by a rollercoaster of feelings. At first, I used to be shocked, I couldn’t imagine that I had been chosen. Then I used to be emotional however very comfortable and excited to tackle this new problem.
Picture by EY
What a part of the function of SSGM are you most trying ahead to?
I’m most trying ahead to seeing what different nations and Particular Olympics Programmes do, what concepts they’ve and dealing with my fellow SSGM’s. Moreover, I’m excited to symbolize and be the voice for athletes from Eire and [along with fellow SSGM Gilmour Borg from Malta] Particular Olympics Europe Eurasia. I stay up for bringing concepts and initiatives from my fellow athletes to the worldwide stage and making a optimistic change for my friends.
In your opinion, why is SSGM an necessary function in our motion?
SSGM is a vital function within the motion because it gives a chance for athletes to tackle management roles and offers athletes a platform for his or her voice to be heard which contributes to adjustments and selections which are made inside the Particular Olympics motion. The function instils confidence within the SSGM that they’ll advocate for themselves and their fellow athletes. It makes athletes really feel like their concepts and opinions are validated.
How lengthy have you ever been part of Particular Olympics and the way has Particular Olympics impacted your life?
I’ve been concerned in Particular Olympics since 2015. Particular Olympics has impacted my life by offering me with a neighborhood by which I can get match and take part in sport. I’ve made mates for all times by Particular Olympics and been supplied with management alternatives by my function as a Well being Messenger and Athlete Chief. These alternatives have elevated my confidence and talent to advocate for myself and others.
What was your best second in Particular Olympics to this point?
My best second in Particular Olympics to this point was once I represented Eire on the World Summer time Video games in Berlin in June 2023. I used to be taking part in Basketball for the Irish crew, and we received gold within the girls last towards robust opponents. It was such a proud second with a sea of inexperienced cheering for us from the stands. My household and mates had been all in Berlin to help me. It was my first World Video games and hopefully not my final!
Do you have got any function fashions (inside or outdoors of Particular Olympics)?
My brother and sister are my function fashions, once I was youthful they had been going to school and had been studying to drive a automotive. They pushed me and inspired me to comply with of their footsteps. I didn’t wish to be left behind. I used to be going to realize issues in my life like they achieved in theirs. So, I labored exhausting to go and examine in Trinity Faculty in Dublin and I learnt the right way to drive a automotive and handed my driving check! I’ve not look again. Now I’m nonetheless attaining each in my work and in Particular Olympics. My siblings had been so happy with once I was chosen within the SSGM function!