This Week’s Person of the Week comes from the country of Scotland and is a retired soccer player (footballer), and active dyslexia ambassador… Steven Naismith!
Naismith was a notable footballer who retired officially in 2021 after playing for 17 years. Steven Naismith has won at some of the highest levels. At one point in his career, he won three consecutive league titles, the League Cup twice, and the Scottish cup! He is now the head coach of the Heart of Midlothian F.C. in Edinburgh, Scotland!
Like with many of our featured athletes, Steven Naismith struggled with dyslexia and has worked hard to overcome many of the symptoms. When Naismith recounts his early days in school, he reflects on an instance that is known all too well to people affected by dyslexia: class read alouds. Naismith laments on being called on in class and worrying about the passage that he was expected to read with the facade o confidence.
When asked if dyslexia helped him become a better footballer, he mentions the work that it took to overcome symptoms of dyslexia, and how it influenced his work-ethic and for him to maintain a level-head in his sport.
Steven Naismith is proud of his affiliation with Dyslexia Scotland, and takes to heart the community around him. Naismith also has funded dinners for lower-income and homeless community members.
We are so thankful to have people like Steven Naismith representing the dyslexia community!