Dustin Plunkett of the United States has become a star in China after introducing the torch into the opening ceremony of the 2007 Shanghai Special Olympics on Tuesday with China's NBA center Yao Ming.
Plunkett's appearance in the Special Olympics Town on Friday made a splash as many people came to photograph or talk to him. Apart from making new friends, the lovely boy attracted more focus on the Town's programs designed for those with intellectual disabilities.
"I tried some of the games, it was really fun and I believe they could help improve health," said Plunkett, "and their families can enjoy more happy moments with these athletes outside the competitions."
"The young athletes enjoy participating in the Program because of all the wonderful people that they met, the Town was just like at home with their real families and friends. It was the Special Olympics that changed everything," he added.
The South Californian is a born leader and public speaker. In the fourth grade, he gave a speech in class. It was so impressive he was later asked to give the speech to the entire school.
He got a standing ovation from his schoolmates and teachers for speaking with such clarity and confidence -- no easy task for a boy with a speech impediment and a cleft pallet condition.
"I don't compete in any sport in Shanghai, instead I talk with the athletes or deliver speeches," the 25-year-old said. "I take any opportunity to reach people and share my experience over adversity in order to inspire them to do the same."
By taking part in the Special Olympics, he said he was empowered to take control of his own life and break the barriers ahead.
Plunkett has found various levels of success as an athlete, but there is one aspect of life in which he constantly succeeds -- giving back.
"I coach some young athletes in basic sports skills, and I am an assistant manager for several local sports teams. My job also includes things like serving meals to the elderly and participate in food and toy drives for underprivileged youths. I just try everything I could to help out," he said.
Source: Xinhua
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