Olympic gold medalists Rafer Johnson hopes that every athlete, regardless of their intellectual ability, can say that they are the best that they can be.

Johnson has served on the Special Olympics Board of Directors for over 35 years and has dedicated time to many California-based charitable organizations – inspiring countless others to reach their full potential as he did when he fulfilled his Olympic dream.

Since founding the Southern California chapter of Special Olympics in 1969, Johnson has seen this positive mindset go beyond simply changing lives. Special Olympics, he says, saves lives.

Follow Rafer Johnson on Twitter: @RaferJohnson1

Rafer Johnson: Everyone should be the best they can be

Olympic gold medalists Rafer Johnson hopes that every athlete, regardless of their intellectual ability, can say that they are the best that they can be. Johnson has served on the Special Olympics Board of Directors for over 35 years and has dedicated time to many California-based charitable organizations – inspiring countless others to reach their full potential as he did when he fulfilled his Olympic dream.

Special Olympics participants join a community where the acceptance and inclusion they experience can motivate them to achieve more than they ever thought possible. The organization’s Healthy Athletes program also provides a much needed public health service.

The organization offers more than 1.6 million free health examinations in more than 130 countries to athletes who may otherwise never receive crucial health services. Through this program, Special Olympics has become the largest global public health organization serving people with intellectual disabilities.

Rafer Johnson joins Full Frame host Mike Walter this week and shares the journey of Special Olympics, from a backyard event to inspiring people around the world.