My Little Mermaid
by Elisa Nadal
"Since she was very young, my daughter, Melanie, has loved water. She used to spend so much time at the pool and in the sea that a friend of mine said she came to the world with the intention of being a fish, but at the last moment, she changed her mind and became a girl.
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Besides being an accomplished swimmer, Special Olympics Venezuela athlete Melanie Nadal competed in snowshoeing at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, placing fifth in her division for both the 50 and the 100 meter races. [Photo courtesy Special Olympics Venezuela] |
"At the age of 3, she started swimming classes, and at 13, she joined the Special Olympics Venezuela aquatics program. Her coach was a marvel. He used a combination of tactics — affection, games and humor — to help her develop style and speed.
"Melanie's participation in Special Olympics initiated a new stage of development for our family too. We became active in Special Olympics, made new friends, joined several committees and felt the 'electricity' that an organization of this magnitude generates.
"In 2003, Melanie was selected as a member of Special Olympics Venezuela's swim team for the 2003 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Dublin, Ireland. The whole family traveled to Ireland to watch her. When she won a gold medal, we were ecstatic! At the moment her name appeared on the electronic display and was announced on the loudspeaker, we felt that she had accomplished her life's mission. Melanie made it!
"In 2005, Melanie, then 19, competed in snowshoeing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. When I look back and remember that baby with Down syndrome, and all the tears we cried, I marvel at all the surprises that were waiting for us, especially her accomplishments as a Special Olympics athlete.
"I don't think that there is any limit to dreams; our children just need us to give them the opportunity to make their dreams come true." |
