X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger sheds light on life as a Global Ambassador and how her Down’s syndrome aunt was the most inspirational person in her life
Former Pussycat doll speaks of her visit to a Special Olympics event in North London and the importance of her role
SHE is the face of X Factor and has her own clothing line but singer Nicole has taken on a role even closer to her heart – as a campaigner for disabled rights and a Special Olympics global ambassador.
She credits her auntie Keziah, who has Down’s syndrome, for inspiring her to fight for better opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities.
Nicole says: “People with learning disability have huge resources, capabilities, skill and ability.
“Different maybe – but certainly not less.”
Here, X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger, 38, speaks to The Sun about the “most positive influence” in her life – her auntie Keziah, who has Down’s syndrome.
Keziah inspired Nicole to want to provide better opportunities for other people with intellectual disabilities – which is why she is now a Special Olympics global ambassador.
This weekend she spent a day with disabled fans at a Special Olympics event at Lee Valley Athletics Indoor Arena in North London.
"The reason why I am so fired up about Special Olympics and providing chances for people with intellectual (learning) disabilities dates back to my childhood.
I became a Special Olympics ambassador because I was raised with my aunt – who is two years younger than me and who has Down’s syndrome.
I know how important chances and opportunities are for people with intellectual disability.
My auntie Keziah is the youngest of my mother’s sisters and as a child we were raised side by side and were incredibly close. A relationship kind of like a sister, but even though I’m older she was always the boss.
My auntie was, and still is, the most inspiring and positive influence to me.
RELATED STORIES
Singing, dancing and music was what we just loved to do together and it brought us so much joy. And our family even more so, because they still make us get up at family get-togethers.
That is where Special Olympics comes in and it is why I support them around the world.
When we as a society find ourselves being troubled by the smallest of things, I always look to Keziah.
She is the most genuine, authentic, loving and caring person. Someone you know will always be there with an embrace, happiness and a smile no matter what life brings. Her heart, filled with love, has no boundaries.
She is an inspiration; she helps others and looks for nothing in return.
Special Olympics was established in the USA in 1968 by President John F Kennedy’s sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
It arrived in Great Britain ten years later and engages with 10,000 people with intellectual disabilities through sport every week of every year.
The British arm operates more than 150 clubs across England, Scotland and Wales.
They host their tenth Special Olympics National Summer Games in August next year in Sheffield, where 2,600 athletes will compete in 20 different sports.
Singing and dancing was what we loved to do and it brought us so much joy
It will also be represented at the World Winter Games in Austria in March by 21 skiers and ice skaters; the Games will be hosted by friend of the charity, Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
One of the goals of the organisation is to encourage young people with and without intellectual disabilities to work together and play together on sports teams in a campaign called #PlayUnified.
One thing that I can’t tolerate is bullying and prejudice — this is a challenge faced by four out of five people with intellectual disability every week.
My aunt faced difficulties growing up. The bullying didn’t last long because we are very protective of her and a big, strong family. Keziah is one of ten siblings; my grandmother had 18 brothers and sisters.
We have lost count but I believe she has more than 69 grandchildren.
One thing that is very strong in the USA is the call by Special Olympics to ban the R word — “retard” — in society.
It is such an offensive word towards people with learning disabilities.
That word implies people with disability have no capability. They may be different — just like we are all different.
People with learning disability have huge resources, capabilities, skill and ability if we just take a moment to watch and learn.
Different maybe — but certainly not less. I always wondered if maybe God would bless me with a Down’s syndrome child and at the right time I am still considering adopting a child with Down’s.
Keziah’s influence has had the most profound impact on my life through her purity of spirit, her human endeavour and the mantra of “I know I can”.
Special Olympics gives young people with learning disability a second chance, a second life.
I have spent time with its athletes during my time in London. On Sunday I met more than 250 with autism and Down’s syndrome. I can see that Special Olympics has given these young athletes a new lease of life.
The word retard is so offensive. It implies people with disability have no capability
They look forward to training and then competing. It also gives them the confidence and platform to succeed in other areas of life.
It gives people with learning disability — who often live very isolated lives — new friends, new experiences and new boundaries.
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition for all people with an intellectual (learning) disability. For a young person living with an intellectual disability in the UK today, it can often be a nightmare.
Very few job opportunities; challenges accessing the right education; health opportunities are scarce.
Indeed many people with intellectual disability end up volunteering in the community.
One big issue is raising awareness of what intellectual disability (ID) actually is. The most common disability in the UK, it ranges from Down’s syndrome to some types of autism.
There are currently 1.5 million people in Great Britain with ID and this is predicted to grow.
One in three people with ID is classed as obese and more than 80 per cent of adults with ID do not achieve daily recommended levels of physical activity.
Physical and mental health are intrinsically entwined. Special Olympics can help towards these aims.
The charity leads the way for people with intellectual disability. That is why it is one of the proudest things in my life to be a global ambassador.
If you have a child with a learning disability who wants to get into sport, go to the Find a Club section at .
Also, Special Olympics GB still requires volunteers for their major National Games with 2,600 athletes next year in Sheffield so get in touch with them at ."
