Family involvement is more than attending events -it is about playing an active role in helping the development of special Olympics athletes and programs. Meet Global Family Leadership Council (GFLC) Chairman Naumon Mehboo. Nauman is a proud father of three special Olympics atlets; Hammad, Tanuzzah and Talha, and became involved with Special Olympics (SO) Pakistan in 2014 where he served as a dedicated volunteer.
The GFLC serves as the collective voice of families Within the Special Olympics Movement Worldwide. Her mission is to represent, support and argue families in all regions in all regions, thereby designing and strengthening worldwide family involvement. The council consists of seven dedicated members, one from each region, where each member serves a three -year period.
This month we share part two of a worldwide series that emphasizes the seven members of the GFLC and their connection with health. Below Nauman shares his perspective on how family involvement not only brings enormous joy, but also helps families to grow physically, social and emotionally.
Nauman Mehboob – Special Olympics Pakistan – parent
Photo by Zunair
My name is Nauman Mehboob, and I share a trip like many of you. I am a proud parent of three children with intellectual and developmental disorders (idd), who has fueled my passion for the Special Olympics Movement since 2014.
After almost 11 years of active participation, I now serve as the national coordinator for the Family Support Network of Special Olympics (SO) Pakistan, the Family Support Network represents Special Olympics Asia PacificAnd honored to become the Global Family Leadership Council (GFLC). This role allows me to encourage families to do volunteer work together at Special Olympics Events or in the community and parents, brothers and sisters and care providers enable to argue for families in all regions.
Our children stood for considerable challenges to grow up. They were socially introverted, often the goals of bullying, and preferred to do business in their world instead of social activities or exercising. Moreover, the lack of consciousness about idd led us to a complex situation with our first two children.
We didn’t know how to deal with the situation. Faced with the enormous pressure of society, which often included misconceptions and stigmatization, social isolation surprised us about how they could raise and help them to become independent. It was essential to get out of the shock quickly and to make our efforts to make them as independent as possible.
Registering our children in So Pakistan was a turning point. The team and the devoted coaches worked tirelessly on their skills and introduced and emerged their passion for sport. Hammad and Tanuzzah’s selection for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles and the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu DhabiAnd Talha’s journey as a special Olympic young athlete with So Pakistan are powerful examples of the transforming power of Special Olympics, which teach hope and inspiration in all of us.
The supporting social environment of the camps of So Pakistan caused considerable changes in their social behavior, causing a sense of hope and optimism. Their self -confidence grew and they actively participated in tops, training and conferences organized by Zo Pakistan as athlete leaders.
The journey with special Olympic Games has also transformed our lives as parents. As parents and volunteers we were initially involved in Special Olympics Health Programming, including Family Health Forums” Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®” Young athletesThe Family Support Network and Fitness programs Including Fit 5 As well as the Family Health Advisory Committee. Here we got the chance and support from So Pakistan and the Asia -Pacific region to be part of the journey to empower parents, brothers and sisters and family members to increase consciousness, family leaders and volunteers and to recruit families for the special Olympics movement while they serve as a support system for each other and atleten.
Through the health programming of the special Olympic Games, the most valuable lesson we have learned is the importance of a holistic approach to health of health matters, nutritious food, mental well -being and positive social interactions. This knowledge has enabled our entire family to make healthier lifestyle choices, to manage more effectively and support each other in leading active, confident and satisfying lives.
We want families to understand that this is a lifelong journey that we embrace. We are the chosen ones – lying down to lead with strength, optimism and goal. Early intervention is the key. Accept the challenge with a smile, increase consciousness and prepare your children to thrive in an inclusive world. Promote their independence and belief in the power of inclusion, even before the world fully recognizes it.
Every individual has a voice that matters and a talent that is worth celebrating. There will be challenges – but also in -depth moments of joy, courage and transformation. Surround yourself with those who lead with empathy. Let every act of support remind you that dignity and respect are more powerful than any price.
As families you not only form lives – you build a more inclusive and compassionate world. Your role is vital and your impact is extraordinary.
Discover more advice, stories, observations and tips from families with special Olympic Games and program leaders around the world by checking out Effective family book of Special Olympics’ Effective Family Engagement.
#Lighting #Series #Part #Ouderaspective