National Down Syndrome Society Voices Award Acceptance Speech

I am honored and very thankful to speak at this luncheon. My name is David Egan. I was asked to share with you my story because it is a story of joy like the story of others that you inspire. It is because of you the supporters of the National Down Syndrome Society, that I am here standing to speak on behalf of many men and women with Down Syndrome. Thank you for inviting me.

I was born in Madison Wisconsin on September 17th, 1977. I am 25 years old and a proud American citizen fully engaged in our society. I am the oldest of four: My sister Teresa is 22, a graduate from William and Mary in Computer Science, my sister Miranda is 16 and a high school junior, my brother Marc is 13 and in 7th grade. We all live in Northern Virginia.

My parents were graduate students at the University of Wisconsin, Madison where I was born. Good things happened because we were at the University. We had access to the best doctors and educators. I went to the Waisman Center, in a mainstream preschool.

I had a great time mimicking my friends and I had to try harder to keep up. I learned to crawl and hang onto things to make sure I did not miss the fun. Two researchers from the University filmed me once a month to document my progress. I walked at 18 months and began talking at age three. My sister Teresa taught me lots of things as she was learning fast and I had to keep up with her. Nurses and doctors at the University were always interested in babysitting and would ask if I was willing to have students listen to my heart. My heart makes loud noises and it was good for the nurses to hear it. They took my picture and wrote about me in their textbooks.

At age 8, we moved to Virginia and there was a time of adjustment, as I had to go to Special Education classes. Good things also started, as I joined Special Olympics. I used to ask my mother: "When will I get rid of this Down Syndrome thing?" She would say: "It is something that stays with you all your life but it does not stop you from having dreams and being successful". It was hard for me to accept the fact that I have Down Syndrome, but it became easier when I discovered that I was not alone. I know that I have a disability just like many others in this world but my disability does not get in the way when I compete and train. It makes me think of all the things that I CAN DO.

Let me tell you about my experiences with speed skating, and swimming. Skating is a hard sport, and it is cold in the rink. It was not easy at first, I could barely stand on my skates and my feet hurt. Then later with the help of volunteers who supported me, I was able to skate the 100 meters and later the 1000 meters. During training, for example, my dad would make me practice the crossovers to gain time in my race. He would not give me any slack. Thanks to him, I won many races.

I had similar experiences in swimming. It is my favorite sport and I am good at it but I have to tell you that when I was little, I did not like the water, I cried and I was afraid of heights. My family got me involved with our Community Pool in the neighborhood. I learned to swim with the regular team and I would even join in competitions and relays, but I could never win.

While I learned a lot and gained skills with the team at Vienna Woods and competing with my sisters, it was only when going to Special Olympics that I gained the confidence and enjoyed the challenge. My family and coaches had expectations and as I became a better swimmer, I moved from the 25 to the 50 and then 100 meters freestyle, then backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke. That was not easy; I had a few obstacles to overcome. I got disqualified in a State Competition doing the Individual Medley. Now, I swim the IM with no difficulty and I can focus on my time, beating it every time I dive in the water.

Each time we compete, we, the athletes, come to show courage, sportsmanship, physical fitness, training, and team spirit. We show our accomplishments and earn medals. I earned a few over the years, in Swimming, Soccer, Basketball and Ice-skating. But organizations such as the National Down Syndrome Society and Special Olympics are not just about earning medals and awards, they're about us — the athletes, our families, friends and volunteers — who come together and share our joy and our accomplishments.

Now, I want to tell you about my other activities in the community and on the job. I am proud to be a Booz Allen Hamilton employee. I work in the McLean campus as a clerk in the mailroom. I started five years ago when I was in high school. I work hard five days a week receiving the mail and distributing it to the customers. At Booz Allen, everyone from the senior managers to the most junior employees help each other succeed. I feel I am part of a team. My firm is special not just because they employ me, but because they encourage me to represent the firm in my after work activities — whether it is giving this speech today, competing as an athlete or being an advocate for others in the Community.

My leadership activities started with the World Games in 1999 in North Carolina. I had won many gold medals in Swimming but was not the lucky one in the lottery to represent Virginia at the World games. However, my mom and I volunteered for the Games. My mom served as an interpreter and I helped with the media crew. That was a unique experience where I served as an advocate and a helper rather than an athlete in that event. I met with the press and got noticed by organizers who asked me to write an article in the Spirit Magazine. A year later, I was chosen to participate as a Global Athlete in the 2000 SOI Congress in the Netherlands.

I was also elected to serve on the United States Leadership Council to represent fellow athletes. I wrote a survey to find out how others feel about the World Game selection. I presented my ideas to the Special Olympics Virginia Board and I hope that changes will be made. I enjoy being involved in the Community not only in sports events but also as an advocate taking away the stigma of mental retardation and promoting awareness that we ARE CAPABLE PEOPLE.

When I look back at the 25 years of my life, I am proud and thankful. Those among us with Down Syndrome can lead normal lives with the help and support of family and community. We are able to learn if taught with patience. We are able to succeed if given the right motivation and placed in an accepting environment that helps us thrive. We want to be useful members of society, giving our best in the workforce.

I am so happy that you invited me to share my story today. Thank you for this opportunity to give back to the community.

Thank you.