RJ Nealon‘s journey with Particular Olympics started with a letter. At simply 10 years previous, he reached out to the CEO of Particular Olympics, wanting to become involved. That single act of initiative opened the door to a world the place he would uncover his voice, not simply as an athlete, however as a robust storyteller, mentor, and advocate.
“They anticipate excellence, whether or not you’re on the sector or not. That commonplace adopted me into my profession with each story I’ve completed.”
RJ Nealon
“I began as an athlete competing in basketball, swimming, flag soccer, kayaking, biking, any sport I might actually become involved in,” Nealon recalled. “I most likely would not have been concerned in these sports activities if it wasn’t for Particular Olympics.” His early years have been outlined by ardour and participation, however they might quickly evolve into one thing even larger.
In 2010, Nealon competed on the USA Video games in Nebraska for swimming. Nevertheless it wasn’t the races or the medals that modified his life. “The spotlight of that journey was strolling via Lincoln Memorial Stadium. I really like school soccer, and that second sparked one thing in me.” That behind-the-scenes take a look at a soccer legacy planted the seeds of a future in sports activities journalism.
However his love for storytelling was really ignited years earlier by a single sport, the 2006 Rose Bowl. “Texas versus USC. Vince Younger. Reggie Bush. The voices on the decision resonated with me. I by no means wished to be the participant on the sector. I wished to be the man within the sales space.”
That dream carried him to the College of Alabama, the place he studied sports activities journalism surrounded by probably the most elite athletic departments within the nation. “They anticipate excellence, whether or not you’re on the sector or not. That commonplace adopted me into my profession with each story I’ve completed.”
That profession finally introduced Nealon full circle, again to Particular Olympics, this time as a Communication Specialist for Particular Olympics North America, main a program he helped create, the “Athlete Storytelling Coaching Sequence.”
“There are such a lot of athletes throughout North America who’ve storytelling expertise however perhaps by no means had the chance to go get a journalism diploma,” Nealon stated. “So, I wished to create that chance.”
The six-month coaching course is rigorous and hands-on. Athletes study conventional journalism expertise from analysis to interviewing to function writing and social media reporting, together with the prospect to listen to from visitor audio system from main media shops like ESPN. The outcomes converse for themselves.
“There was an athlete named Wyatt Spaulding from Nebraska. He used what he realized in our coaching on Tremendous Bowl Media Row with FanSided, interviewing his favourite gamers,” Nealon stated. “It reveals that is making an actual affect.”
The transformation is not only technical, it is private. “Some athletes got here in as nice audio system however not assured writers, or vice versa,” Nealon stated. “Over six months, we’ve seen them develop into highly effective communicators, some now have their tales printed on-line.”
For Nealon, the significance of athletes sharing their very own tales is evident.
“With out the athletes, we aren’t Particular Olympics. They’re essentially the most genuine voice of the mission. Folks resonate with authenticity.”
His recommendation to athletes desirous to enter journalism is straightforward.
“Begin on the lookout for tales. Use your social media platforms. You don’t want a level to be a journalist. You simply want the talents and the fervour.”
As Nealon helps elevate the voices of others, he by no means forgets the trail that introduced him right here. “If it wasn’t for Particular Olympics, I wouldn’t have the profession I’ve. I owe a lot to this motion.”
Now, he’s serving to others discover their voice too. As a result of when athletes inform their very own tales, the world listens.
