Campaign Ambassador - Mitch Camp

Name: Mitch Camp

Sports/Activities: Athletics (Special Olympics), Multisport

Locality: Dacorum

My sporting journey started when I was nine years old, encouraged by my primary school headteacher who made sure I was included in every sport going. Athletics became something I really enjoyed, and it gave me confidence at a young age despite my learning disability. Sadly, when I moved into mainstream school, my opportunities disappeared and sport took a back seat. It wasn’t until another parent told me about Special Olympics St Albans (SOSA) that everything changed again. Through SOSA, I trained in a variety of sports, including table cricket and returning to athletics, the sport I had always loved.

Along the way, I faced barriers that made participating challenging. Tiredness was a big factor, especially because competitions were long days with lots of waiting and travelling. I also experienced bullying, which knocked my confidence and made me question whether I truly belonged in sport. However, the right people helped guide me forward. My primary school headteacher set the foundation, and later Ros Cramp recognised my potential and directed me to a local athletics club. Their belief helped me see that I had choices to make and that I could continue pursuing the path that felt right for me.

Looking ahead, I would love to move into coaching or mentoring. I want to support others the way people supported me, especially young athletes with learning disabilities who might be unsure where to start. I am also working on building my confidence further, including developing my public speaking skills. If sharing my journey helps even one person feel included, then it’s all worth it.