Melissa was diagnosed with an Intellectual Disability due to complication at birth. Looking for opportunities for her to be included, her parents found Special Olympics Guatemala. Melissa joined Special Olympics in 2012, where she learned about inclusion, respect, and teamwork. As a believer, she is confident that God led her to Special Olympics to find a place where she belongs and is treated as an equal. In Special Olympics, she participates in the athlete leadership program and trains in horseback riding competing at a national and international level. Additionally, she is a health messenger and a monitor for young athletes. Outside of Special Olympics Melissa attends University to get a degree in Computing and Human Development.
“Since I belong to Special Olympics Guatemala, I have felt happier and more confident about myself, which led me to continue studying at the University and share my knowledge and experiences with others. I thank Special Olympics Guatemala, for opening their doors to me and giving me opportunities that I had never had, I have met friends and people who truly believe in inclusion and treat me well.”
Sargent Shriver Global Messengers 2024 – 2027
-
Yeruult Batbayar
Special Olympics East Asia -
Grace Payne
Special Olympics Asia Pacific -
Malvin Mukombe
Special Olympics Africa -
Gilmour Borg
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia -
Margaret Turley
Special Olympics Europe Eurasia -
Mujahid Al-Sarhani
Special Olympics Middle East / North Africa -
Melissa De Leon Mazariegos
Special Olympics Latin America -
Wyatt Spalding
Special Olympics North America -
Pablo Composto
Special Olympics Latin America -
Susan Wang
Special Olympics North America
