The Lanzarote representatives in the 'Special Olympics Games', Esteban Montenegro and Macarena Rivera, enjoyed an unparalleled experience between March 30 and April 2 in Granollers (Barcelona) participating in this sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities in which they managed to improve their mark prior to the competition, Esteban in 25 meters freestyle and Macarena in 50 meters dash, thus obtaining medals.
This sports festival, in which inclusion, companionship and good atmosphere reign, was attended by nearly 1,500 athletes from around the world in a total of 14 disciplines and all of them have been recognized for their performance.
"Esteban and Macarena have returned happy and excited with their medals," says the director of the Creciendo Yaiza Association, Ligia Molnar, "especially for the great experience they have lived with other colleagues."
"The objective of this event is for people with intellectual disabilities to develop self-confidence, in addition to promoting social skills through training and competition," says Molnar, who recalls in this regard that the Association performs inclusive extracurricular activities of swimming, tennis and dance, activities that are open to all children in Lanzarote. "Despite the progress," concludes Molnar, "there is still a long way to go on the island in terms of inclusive sports."
The mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, publicly congratulates the southern athletes "for their good work" and encourages them to "continue fighting for their dreams." The southern City Council maintains its commitment to the Association by offering continued support through the areas of Sports and Social Services, led by Ángel Lago and Ángel Domínguez, respectively.
The Social Association Creciendo works with children and young people with functional diversity and their families, from the perspective of inclusion, offering therapeutic support and sports and leisure activities in different locations on the Island.