The Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, held from June 17 to 25 last summer, was the world’s largest inclusive sporting event with more than 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 178 delegations competing in the German capital for the first time in the world. History of the movement. Among those thousands of athletes competing in Berlin was Bradley Stewart whose story is now part of ours A five-episode series celebrating the power of the Special Olympics World Games.
Bradley, who is from Essex, England, emphasizes the transformative impact of sport and athletics Berlin 2023 On his identity. Growing up, Bradley often felt isolated and was bullied at school. Unfortunately, he says, his peers didn’t really “accommodate” people with intellectual disabilities.
“If it weren’t for football, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Discovering his talent and love for football changed everything: “If I had never started playing football, I don’t think I would be who I am today. I think I would be in my room and not really do anything.”
He is now a World Games bronze medalist and works at Screwfix, a tool and accessories business. Bradley even attributes his new job to the social confidence he gained at the World Games. “If I hadn’t gone (to the World Games), I don’t think I would have ever had a job,” he says.
Bradley admits that before the World Games started, he was nervous and did not want to attend. He opted out of the opening ceremony — an amazing but understandably daunting experience — but returned to normal when the competition began. In a soccer match against the United States, Bradley scored an amazing four goals. His father, who is also a Special Olympics soccer coach, smiles proudly as he recalls that moment, “I was actually crying after he scored the (fourth) goal. As a coach and a father, that was a proud moment.”
At the World Games, Bradley shone on and off the field, and his impact was long-lasting. “I’m socializing a little more, meeting new people,” he says. “His confidence is through the roof,” Bradley’s father adds.
Tamara’s video was funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for it.
