Representing intellectually disabled athletes is nothing new for Brooklyn Decker. The actress has been working for inclusion since she was in grade school. This year, she was a torchbearer in the Austin Unified Rally last month. ESPN.com caught up with Decker to talk about her experience, her long relationship with Special Olympics and how the World Games will be a family affair.
ESPN.com's Brianne Mirecki: You've been involved with Special Olympics for a while now. When did you first start participating and what activities were you a part of?
Brooklyn Decker: Because of my family and my upbringing, I've always had an interest in any cause or program benefiting people with intellectual disabilities. It's something I have been involved with since the fifth grade. We had a program at our school where we would spend time during and after school with other students who had disabilities. We would read, play, and just spend time with one another.
ESPN.com: How has being involved with Special Olympics influenced your life?
Decker: I think one of the fundamental human qualities we need to work on is inclusion. That's simply what Special Olympics is all about. Inclusion, awareness, physical well-being and education. Not only has Special Olympics inspired me over the years, but it has introduced me to such a level of openness and compassion. I can only hope everyone gets a chance to witness it.
ESPN.com: What are some of your responsibilities as an ambassador for the Special Olympics?
Decker: Two of the big campaigns that Special Olympics really wants to get out there are "Spread the Word to End the Word" and Unified Sports. Again, it's about encouraging people to be a little more compassionate, to think before they speak, and to open their minds to something that might not be familiar to them. If I can get that message to a few more people, then I've done my job as an ambassador.
ESPN.com: What was a highlight from your torch run last month?
Decker: The whole thing was pretty special. We've all watched the Olympic torch at some point in our lives and to have it be something I'm connected to on a personal level and to be a part of it for just a little bit was a huge privilege.
ESPN.com: Do you plan to attend the World Games in L.A. this summer?
Decker: Of course!
ESPN.com: You've talked about your aunt being part of your motivation for supporting the Special Olympics movement. Have the two of you been able to participate in Special Olympics events together?
Decker: We have! I've been involved in a local and state level with Tara. Usually it just involves me cheering her on from the sideline. She is coming to the World Games with my grandparents and my mom. It's going to be special because the largest Special Olympics event she's been a part of is on the state level -- this will be an entirely different experience.
ESPN.com: What would you say to someone who is considering getting involved with Special Olympics or Unified Sports for the first time?
Decker: Try it. I guarantee you'll be back.
ESPN.com: How much have you seen awareness of the Special Olympics grow in the time you've been involved, and why do you think that is?
Decker: I have. I think in a lot of ways we've become a very sensitive, politically correct culture in the last few years -- and on one hand I think that can be very damaging ... on the other hand, people are becoming a little more aware before they speak, people understand their words have ramifications and I think we are open to being more understanding about certain topics.
ESPN.com: Have you seen stigmas against people with intellectual disabilities start to fade in society overall?
Decker: We are seeing people with intellectual disabilities on television shows, "Glee," "American Horror Story," etc., on the news, in sports. It's such an exciting time for this movement. I think to encourage inclusion and compassion -- all it takes is making someone aware. Thankfully, we're entering into a time where there is less of a divide between people with intellectual disabilities and without. Programs are sprouting up all over the country to provide opportunities. It's really becoming a much better society as far as that's concerned. We still have a lot of work to do, but I think we are getting a few steps closer.