As Gilmour Borg and his fellow 9 new Sargent Shriver International Messengers participate in per week of coaching in Washington, DC, we take the chance to get to know Gilmour slightly higher with a one-to-one interview.
In January 2024, it was introduced that Gilmour Borg, from Particular Olympics Malta, was to grow to be one among 10 Sargent Shriver International Messengers (SSGMs) for the interval 2024 to 2027. He joins Margaret Turley from Particular Olympics Eire as one among two messengers representing the Europe Eurasia area. SSGM is a prestigious and coveted spokesperson function which is able to see Gilmour, Margaret and the eight different messengers representing the Particular Olympics motion and their fellow athletes to the world. Earlier than Gilmour took off for the USA, he took the time to reply some questions on his journey up to now and his hopes for this new function and journey!
How did you uncover the thrilling information that you simply had been one of many new SSGMs?
The information got here as an entire shock throughout one among our conferences with the Particular Olympics Malta Athlete Management Committee, an annual assembly the place we come collectively to tell fellow athletes and households about our yr’s accomplishments.
Through the occasion, an announcement was made by Tim Shriver, and to my astonishment, I understood that I used to be one of many chosen people! The realisation that I’d be serving as a Sargent Shriver International Messenger introduced rush of pleasure for the journey forward. It was actually an unforgettable second that I’ll cherish.
What a part of the function of SSGM are you most wanting ahead to?
I’m wanting ahead for the chance to attach with folks from totally different backgrounds from all around the globe. I’m wanting ahead to sharing my private expertise and spreading consciousness about inclusion. I wish to actively promote inclusion and put it into motion… Making inclusion a tangible actuality fairly than only a idea is certainly a rewarding facet of any function. We have to apply and incorporate these ideas into our on a regular basis work life.
It’s now ten years because you joined Particular Olympics Malta, how has Particular Olympics impacted your life?
Becoming a member of Particular Olympics was the start of a brand new journey in my life which introduced new hope and opened new doorways for me.
Particular Olympics reworked my life—from feeling remoted and bullied, to discovering a supportive group the place I used to be revered, included, and heard. This has additionally been a journey of development for me.
Particular Olympics supplied me with a way of belonging and goal, serving to me overcome my challenges and uncover my strengths. I gained confidence, self-awareness, and resilience. I used to be capable of face setbacks with braveness and willpower.
Photograph by S Byrne
What was your best second in Particular Olympics up to now?
That’s a really powerful query as a result of Particular Olympics has given me so many alternatives.
I had many exceptional moments with the ability to compete and profitable medals, displaying my talents, and being an advocate for Particular Olympics that are all the time a spotlight of my journey.
However being invited to ship a speech at prestigious occasions—such because the Golisano Award Ceremony held in New York in 2022 and the European Union’s convention on World Psychological Well being held in Brussels in 2023—stand over as the best moments for me.
You’ve got spoken earlier than about how bullying affected you if you had been youthful, what would your message be to any younger one who is at the moment affected by bullying?
I do know the ache. I do know the sensation of being focused, and ridiculed. I understand how it feels to really feel nugatory. I do know the sensation and sense that the world is towards you. I’ve walked in these sneakers and perceive the sensation.
To those that are at the moment dealing with bullying, I need you to know that you’re not alone, and you’re worthy of respect and kindness. You’re robust and able to rising above this cruelty.
Bullying is rarely okay—you’re price rather more than these bullies. There’s hope. There are individuals who wish to assist you to, look after you, and assist you thru this. Don’t endure in silence.
Bullying will be extremely painful and have hasting impact by means of your life. Please attain out for assist. Discuss to somebody you belief. You should be heard, understood, and supported.
Keep in mind bullying is just not your fault. Nobody deserves this. You deserve love and respect. Consider in your self and know that brighter days lie forward.
You’re President of SO Malta Athlete Management Council, a Well being Messenger and an SSGM, do you take pleasure in being busy and taking up new challenges?
All these roles have been constructed within the final 5 years and I might see some adjustments in selling inclusion, empowerment, and acceptance—however I can not cease right here. There’s nonetheless extra work that must be performed. There’s all the time extra that may be achieved, whether or not it’s for higher assets or public consciousness. I’m dedicated to proceed this vital journey and taking new challenges in the direction of a significant and efficient change.
Do you may have any function fashions?
For me the function fashions in my life are all of the individuals who made an impression in my life, who believed in me and made me the Gilmour you see at present—my household, Anna Calleja (Particular Olympics Malta Nationwide Director).