Mg media

Photo credit: Miriam Greenfield

What if I told you that the Greatest Gymnast of All Time (G.O.A.T.) isn’t Simone Biles but Lee Dockins?

Lee stands as one of the most celebrated gymnasts in the history of the Special Olympics:

• At the 2007 World Games, she won gold in the floor exercise and vault and silver in the uneven bars.
• Her stellar performance continued in 2011 with a remarkable five-medal sweep, including gold in the all-around, beam, and floor exercises, another silver in the uneven bars, and a bronze in vault.
• She repeated her all-around triumph in 2015, adding another gold medal to her tally, along with golds in beam and floor exercise and bronze in uneven bars.
• In 2019, she ventured into rhythmic gymnastics at the World Games level for the first time, clinching three silvers and two bronze medals, including a bronze in the all-around.
• And in 2023, she astounded the world with a flawless performance, claiming gold in all five events.

I crossed paths with Lee in 2018 during a training camp for the World Games. At the time, I was a feature producer for ESPN, which happens to be a broadcast partner of the Special Olympics. When Lee took to the floor to practice her ribbon routine, she exuded confidence and the aura of a true champion. My last encounter with her—the undisputed GOAT—was at the podium during the 2023 World Games, where she triumphantly clinched the all-around title. At that time, I was capturing moments as a social media producer for Special Olympics. 

I take immense pride in the impact of my professional endeavors as a feature producer for ESPN and Special Olympics and a social media producer solely dedicated to the Special Olympics cause; sharing Lee’s story, amplifying her voice and showing the world what she CAN do.

I collaborate with various stakeholders to amplify the critical messages of the #InclusionRevolution and #ChoosetoInclude. Through engaging storytelling on multiple social media platforms and digital channels, coupled strategic hashtag employment, actionable initiatives, and offline engagement the aim is to challenge existing narratives and ignite tangible transformation. The overarching goal of the Special Olympics is inclusion, not merely in sports but across all facets of society.

Like Special Olympics, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS), in , uses the power of storytelling in its global campaign. The goal is to change perception and bias with a call to action.

You might have seen the film “Assume That I Can,” which has recently gained viral traction. Covered by prominent outlets like People Magazine, the Today Show, Ad Age, and Ad Week, the CDSS campaign was launched ahead of World Down Syndrome Day. According to the press release, “the campaign seeks to combat prejudice and nurture the potential of individuals with Down syndrome by challenging stereotypes and low expectations. The film features a protagonist with Down syndrome who defies societal expectations and advocates for a shift in perspective. It underscores that with adequate support and opportunities, individuals with Down syndrome can thrive.”

The film is a poignant example of the synergy between social media activism and the imperative to confront biases and stereotypes. While its viral success on platforms like Twitter and Facebook indicates its ability to capture public attention and drive engagement, its accurate measure of success lies in its potential to instigate tangible change in societal attitudes toward individuals with Down Syndrome. CDSS hopes that on March 21st, the world will join them in creating a single, global voice calling to #EndTheStereotypes.

Lee Dockins, who has Down Syndrome, epitomizes that ethos. Despite any limitations imposed by others, she perseveres. So, go ahead and try telling Dockins she can’t. Assume that she can.

Happy World Down Syndrome Day. 3-21.