What makes a leader? Gerard Diedhiou of Special Olympics Senegal learned step by step what it takes to not only find his own voice, but to empower others in his community.
From harsh beginnings, Gerard has learned how to connect with others, growing into a role model on and off the field.
In his youth, Gerard was alone. His mother remembers him as an isolated little boy unable to socialize and make friends. He struggled with his schoolwork, displaying learning difficulties and struggling to understand lessons. Even in a crowd, it was as if he was by himself.
Taking action, Gerard’s mother enrolled him in a school for children with intellectual disabilities. Here he received support for his comprehension difficulties that fostered his voice and ability to connect with others. Then a breakthrough happened.
At the age of 10, Gerard joined Special Olympics Senegal. On the football pitch, Gerard proved a natural, particularly talented at footwork and shooting. Over a few short years, he excelled and competed alongside players older than him. The belief in his play and the consistent comradery of sport broke down a social barrier he struggled with his entire childhood.
Conversations about football evolved into discussions and laughter with his teammates beyond the field. Gerard opened up and discovered confidence he never knew before. So much confidence that he sought to join his older teammates in the first Special Olympics African Football Tournament in 2012. Although he was an outstanding player, he was too young to compete!
Nevertheless, this inspired Gerard to train even harder so that when his time came, he would be ready. And soon it did.
In 2016, Gerard was the distinguished top scorer of the Special Olympics National Unified Football Championship. And his dream of international competition came true when he achieved medals in the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. And galvanized his basketball team to a bronze medal victory in the 2023 Special Olympics World Games Berlin.
As his success in sport flourished, Gerard sought to expand his world even further. He experimented with Dance Sport (for which he’s already won a bronze medal), even taking courses at the National School of Arts with the help of Special Olympics. The power Gerard felt from his personal development inspired him to reinvest the kindness others showed him.
This took the form of Athlete Leadership. Gerard jumped at any chance to support fellow athletes and embolden them to find their self-confidence. It started with training to be a Young Athletes Coach Assistant, a Fitness Captain, and even a Health Messenger.
Gerard has thrived with these leadership roles where he imparts his knowledge and connects with others. He is very engaged in health activities, raising awareness about malaria prevention, and protection of children with intellectual disabilities. His support is so sought after, he is a member of Special Olympics Senegal Healthy Athletes® logistic team, actively participating in the preparation and during Healthy Athletes events.
The culmination of his leadership efforts in his community earned him the role of Athletes’ Spokesperson granted by the Prime Minister of Senegal in August 2024. Gerard, the boy who was completely isolated and felt invisible, is now being recognized by his nation’s leaders and making friends all over the world.
And this young leader has not forgotten the most important person on his journey. Gerard continues to support his mother by helping her sell homemade juices, which they both enjoy. She is extremely proud that Gerard has achieved so much, but more so, Gerard’s mother is just happy to see her son be himself.
Look for Gerard at the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, where he will be competing in Dance Sport!
