On International Olympic and Paralympic Day (July 23), Variety – the Children’s Charity International proudly announces groundbreaking five-time Paralympian, Alana Nichols, as its newest Global Ambassador. In this role, Nichols will champion Variety’s worldwide mission to deliver mobility, medical care and education to children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage, or living with disabilities.
Today the world commemorates the founding of the modern Olympic Games and its power to inspire people through sport. Nichols’ personal journey is a powerful testament to the Olympic spirit of using sport to overcome boundaries and redefine what’s possible. At 17 years old, a severe snowboarding accident left her paralyzed. Faced with a world that suddenly felt inaccessible, Nichols discovered adaptive sports, which completely transformed her trajectory. She went on to achieve historic success, winning six Paralympic medals across three sports: wheelchair basketball, alpine skiing, and paracanoe.
While her athletic achievements are monumental, Nichols emphasizes that her true passion aligns seamlessly with the core values of Variety: “While I’m incredibly proud of the medals, my proudest moments aren’t the ones that happened on a podium. They’re the moments when I’ve been able to help another person see what’s possible for themselves – whether that’s mentoring young athletes, advocating for accessibility, or helping a child experience independence for the first time.”
Variety International operates globally, funding life-changing equipment, mobility devices, and educational programs to ensure no child is left behind. Nichols noted that her decision to join the organization as a Global Ambassador stems from a shared understanding of how timely support can unlock a child’s potential.
Alana Nichols said: “To me, Variety is about possibility. It’s about making sure that a child’s future isn’t determined by their circumstances, diagnosis, or access to resources. As someone who has lived with a disability for most of my life, I know firsthand how one piece of adaptive equipment, one opportunity, one mentor, or one act of support can completely change the trajectory of a person’s life.”
Aligning this announcement with Olympic and Paralympic Day highlights a shared commitment to global unity and athletic spirit. As Variety’s Global Ambassador, Nichols hopes to inspire the next generation of children to push past perceived limitations.
Caylen Santos, Variety International CEO, said: “We’re incredibly honored to welcome Alana Nichols to our global network as an Ambassador. Alana is a testament to the fact that challenges do not define us, what defines us is what we choose to do next. Her voice and experience will be invaluable as we continue to help children worldwide live without limits and empower them to create foundations for extraordinary impact.”
To find out more about Variety International, please visit: variety.org
