On the fast-paced courts of San Juan, where every possession demands instinct, two Chilean brothers, José and Cristóbal Espinosa, are emerging as the emotional spark of their national Special Olympics 3x3 Basketball squad. A few well-timed passes head their defence, with their team's chemistry bringing a pulse to Chile’s gameplay.
Guiding the team at the Special Olympics Unified 3x3 Basketball World Cup are Head Coach José Luis Campos Salgado and Assistant Coach Isabel Margarita, whose steady leadership has grounded the team through every challenge.
A Coach’s Mission Rooted in Inclusion
Coach Campos remembers the team’s beginnings and the struggle to find a court. “One of the problems we had was finding enough space to train,” he explains. “Our local club, MotorSkill, helped us, but it shows us how much we still need to build a culture of Special Olympics sports in Chile.”
For him, this journey reaches far beyond competition. With Chile set to host the 2027 World Games, he believes the nation must embrace true inclusion. “People need to understand that athletes with intellectual disabilities can participate just like anyone else. Unified sports depend on that awareness.”
When speaking about José and Cristóbal, Campos’s voice reflects both pride and nostalgia. “It’s not about magic formulas,” he says. “It’s about teaching values—perseverance, consistency, discipline. They’re very good boys, very outgoing. Coaching them reminds me of playing with my own older brother; we shared that connection on the court, and seeing José and Cristóbal together here is extraordinary.”
Assistant Coach Isabel Margarita helps keep the team centered, reinforcing the calm that allows the brothers to shine. For the future, she adds, “It’s about having the desire to improve and ensuring that the boys continue to love this sport and practice it for the rest of their lives.”
Nerves, Momentum Swings, and a Fight for Rhythm
Chile’s opening match against Canada (final: Chile 3 - Canada 5) carried the unmistakable tension of a good game. Early fouls and rushed decisions broke their rhythm, and adrenaline sparked brief disagreements. “They were very nervous,” Campos recalls. “Anxiety played tricks on them. They argued a little, but it was just adrenaline—they wanted to perform well.”
Their second game, against Chinese Taipei (final: Chile 4 - Chinese Taipei 11), brought progress. Though not a win, their movement sharpened—screens landed, ball flow improved, and the team found their rhythm. “They loosened up more,” Campos says.
Now, Chile prepares for a crucial clash with Saudi Arabia, a fast and physical squad eager to test their resilience. “Let’s see if we can bring a medal back to our country,” Campos hopes.
Building the Future of Chilean 3x3
Chile’s 3x3 program, only two years in development, has been strengthened by Special Olympics Chile, the Chilean Olympic Committee, and Andrés Bello University. Despite the age-category for the Cup being 15-21, the team adapted through conditioning, technical training, and unified practices that built trust.
“We focused on building trust and intensity in every drill,” says Coach Campos. “They need to play hard, fight for every ball, and keep pushing, no matter the score.” Assistant Coach Isabel Margarita adds, “The boys respond to each other on the court. They know when to take the shot and when to pass. That connection is key in 3x3.” Every dribble and shot counts as they push the pace and contest every possession.
For Chile’s squad, and especially José and Cristóbal, it ensures meaningful involvement for every teammate. As the brothers take to the court again, every jump shot reflects their skills and athletic effort, and the hopes of an inclusive sporting culture—one which their coaches are determined to build.
Catch all the action at the final games tomorrow via the livestream!
