NFL STAR JAMAAL HAS AN AMAZING STORY
abu dhabi — Jamaal Charles as a child had learning disabilities. He was shunned and termed a “failure” by others. Jamaal lost confidence and went into a shell. But as years rolled by, Jamal realised he was indeed special and others were wrong.
At the age of 10, the American proved his worth with a track-andfield gold medal at the Special Olympics World Games. His confidence grew further as he wore football shoes for University of Texas, which eventually ended with him being part of National Football League side Kansas City Chiefs.
Speaking to Khaleej Times at the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi, where he was invited to play with the special athletes, Jamaal said people shouldn’t be judgmental towards people of determination.
“Growing up was hard for me. I grew up in poverty. I was pushed to a corner from being who I wanted to be. I was hiding from everybody. But later I found confidence to tell people that it’s alright to be who you are created as. Once you build that confidence then you just let go, it’s like freedom and you don’t care how people judge you. I became free when I told people that I had disabilities. Then others, who were scared to speak out, also came out,” Jamaal said.
When in Grade 5, Jamaal got a life-changing opportunity with Special Olympics — a time he still cherishes as best days of his life.
“I was then in fifth grade. It was enjoyable with everybody smiling and laughing. We didn’t care if you came first or last. We were all just having fun. We were able to talk to each other and that was when I had the most amazing time. It was the best thing about Special Olympics as I got along with people like me, my kind. I made my best friends at that time.”
Jamaal, who retired from NFL last year, was part of the Unified Sports Experiences at Zayed Sports City where he played with special athletes.
“It is very emotional when I come to events like these because I had similar problems. When I see other kids going through same problems I had growing up, it’s very touching. We get judged as people who aren’t smart, can’t do anything in this world, can’t go anywhere and will end up as nobody. So growing up, we lose confidence. This is the reason why I wanted to be the brand ambassador as I want to give kids confidence and tell them that you can be anything you want to be. And never let anybody tell you that you can’t be who you want to be.”
He noted the special athletes can lead way in creating a peaceful world.
“These people have love that other people don’t have. These people got peace inside them, which others don’t have. They don’t judge anyone on basis of colour. They see everything freely. If world can move like this then there will be more love and respect towards each other,” Jamaal added.
It is very emotional when I come to events like these because I had similar problems. When I see other kids going through same problems I had growing up, it’s very touching.”
maal Charles, special athlete