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Madelen Moreno, Special Olympics Panama, with the Special Olympics Panama head coach, Daysha Felipes.
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Special Olympics Panama head coach, Daysha Felipes, has volunteered for Special Olympics for seven years. This young university student, who aspires to be a physical therapist, is so competent in athletics she has worked as an official during her country’s Special Olympics National Games as well.
Felipes thinks Special Olympics adds charisma to the lives of athletes. “It gives them something to talk about and take pride in,” she maintains. “It’s also good for their families and communities. It proves to them they are important and capable people. Even more important, it proves to athletes that they can accomplish great things.”
One of her athletes, Madelen Moreno, who is competing in the 100- and 4x100-meter races, says that her favorite impressions of the World Games in Shanghai are that they unite people from around the world. “All the athletes are equal and all the competitions are fair,” she said. Of the movement in general, she emphasizes that, “Special Olympics has made me more active and independent. I’ve made many friends, and you cannot underestimate the importance of that. I feel totally accepted.” |
