Amanda Harrinauth knows that nothing can stop someone when they're determined to become an Agent of Inclusion. Born with both Hydrocephalus, a condition where she has water on her brain, and Retinopathy of Prematurity, which affects her eyes, she has not let those conditions affect the passion with which she approaches life.
Speaking with CBS Sports Radio’s JR Jackson, Harrinauth talked about her life and the purpose she finds through her work.
Harrinauth has been involved with the Special Olympics for the last five years, competing as an athlete, a global ambassador, and a Health Messenger, as well as being featured in numerous publications as a writer and poet.
“What really got my heart into it was hearing the Special Olympics oath, which, as we all know, is ‘Let me win, but if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt,’” Harrinauth said. “And that is what sold me. I was like, ‘I want to do this. How do I sign up?’”
Never considering herself to be “sports inclined,” Harrinauth had some reservations about joining. However, she soon found herself participating in bowling and bocce ball, as contact sports were not an option due to her Hydrocephalus diagnosis.
After years of competing, Harrinauth soon found herself in a new role, being named as a global ambassador and a certified Health Messenger for the Special Olympics.
A Health Messenger is a Special Olympics athlete who has been trained to serve as a health and wellness leader, educator, advocate, and role model within their Special Olympics communities and the community at large.
In her current roles, she has been able to accomplish more than a typical athlete.
As for what she loves doing, Harrinauth says she finds joy in “interviewing, getting the story and not just the story of Special Olympics, but the heart of Special Olympics out there.”
From giving speeches at events promoting the Special Olympics to lobbying Congress, Harrinauth has received recognition from many for her achievements, including nods from President Joe Biden and Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver.
While she works in Northern California, Harrinauth said that Shriver called her one of the voices of the Special Olympics movement.
But the work Harrinauth has accomplished has not stopped her from focusing on the work she continues to do, working to unite athletes across Northern California.
Related
Related
