With great joy but most of all with honor, 6 athletes from the municipality of Apartadó Antioquia, who came to participate for the first time in the Special Olympics of Hope FIDES, which took place in the facilities of Compensar from May 24 to 27, were received at our headquarters in Casa de los Angeles for a week.
Thanks to the drive and leadership of Alfreyi Giraldo, director of the Alas Libres Foundation, the goal was achieved, not only to obtain transportation with the airline Viva Colombia to bring to the capital a group of 6 athletes, two moms, a trainer and her reporter, but with her management she also obtained lodging and food with the Proyecto Unión Foundation, as well as a minivan for transportation, with the support of the Colegio Americano.
The union of efforts made it possible for these 6 champions, with down syndrome, cognitive disability and autism, ages 9 to 32, to live one of the best adventures of their lives. Getting to know the capital city, traveling by plane, competing with more than 1,000 athletes at a national level were experiences they will never forget, as well as the stay in our house had a very special meaning. This time we were prepared to receive some honored guests and we took the best of them, their joy, seeing them enjoy the brinca brinca, the rooms, the music room, the food, the games and the Jaime Duque Park, among others, filled our hearts with reasons to continue working for the inclusion and visibility of the entire child population that requires it.
“We feel at home and we are very grateful for the attention received,” said Alfreyi, who proudly shared with us the achievements of his son Cristian David Castrillón, a participant in the Olympics and the origin of the creation of his foundation. Their life stories, courage and commitment are a reason for admiration, so more than the number of medals awarded in athletics, tennis ball throwing, softball and capoeira, what matters is that they all won and left us a part of their hearts in our home.
