In January 2024, it was introduced that Margaret Turley, from Kilkenny, Eire, was to grow to be 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 position 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 position and journey!
How did you uncover the thrilling information that you just had been one of many new SSGMs?
I found the thrilling information when the Particular Olympics Eire workforce 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 buddies, the place there was a ‘get collectively’ organised to search out out if my utility for the SSGM position was profitable or not. I went by way of a rollercoaster of feelings. At first, I used to be shocked, I couldn’t consider that I had been chosen. Then I used to be emotional however very comfortable and excited to tackle this new problem.
Photograph by EY
What a part of the position of SSGM are you most wanting ahead to?
I’m most wanting 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 signify 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 constructive change for my friends.
In your opinion, why is SSGM an vital position in our motion?
SSGM is a vital position within the motion because it supplies a chance for athletes to tackle management roles and provides athletes a platform for his or her voice to be heard which contributes to adjustments and selections which can be made inside the Particular Olympics motion. The position 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 group during which I can get match and take part in sport. I’ve made buddies for all times by way of Particular Olympics and been supplied with management alternatives by way of my position 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 enjoying Basketball for the Irish workforce, and we gained gold within the girls ultimate in opposition to robust opponents. It was such a proud second with a sea of inexperienced cheering for us from the stands. My household and buddies had been all in Berlin to help me. It was my first World Video games and hopefully not my final!
Do you’ve got any position fashions (inside or exterior of Particular Olympics)?
My brother and sister are my position fashions, once I was youthful they had been going to school and had been studying to drive a automobile. They pushed me and inspired me to observe of their footsteps. I didn’t need to be left behind. I used to be going to attain issues in my life like they achieved in theirs. So, I labored arduous to go and examine in Trinity Faculty in Dublin and I learnt the way to drive a automobile and handed my driving take a look at! I’ve not look again. Now I’m nonetheless attaining each in my work and in Particular Olympics. My siblings had been so pleased with once I was chosen within the SSGM position!
