Daniela Valentino is a Health Messenger from Special Olympics Italy, representing Team Liguria. Based in Sestri Levante (Genova), Daniela has been actively involved in competitive swimming as part of the SO Italia Team “Genova Nuoto My Sport”, which registered with Special Olympics in 2017. Genova Nuoto engages athletes in swimming and open water training and competitions. The athletes also participate in summer camps to improve technical skills and autonomy.
Daniela started leadership training in 2022 and completed three courses. One of the courses she took was to become a Health Messenger. As part of the training, she was asked to record the number of steps she took daily in an app and to develop a habit of drinking water. Driven by a commitment to well-being, Daniela passionately started promoting healthy lifestyles. She advocates regular physical activity—specifically 1 hour of exercise daily, along with a balanced diet to support optimal health. Daniela believes that maintaining fitness not only benefits individuals but also positively influences those around them, enhancing both physical and mental health. “I believe that sport and nutrition are closely linked to 360-degree well-being, meaning physically and mentally. Nutrition must provide all the essential nutrients for athletes,” says Daniela
In addition to an interest in nutrition, Daniela promotes inclusive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). She uses social media platforms to share inclusive WASH messages. Through participation in Special Olympics, Daniela has developed strong public speaking skills and the confidence to address large audiences.
Beyond athletics, Daniela prefers pursuing hobbies that foster relaxation and happiness, especially when shared with friends.
Health Messengers 2026
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Rachel Chircop
Special Olympics Malta -
Walid Bahrach
Special Olympics Morocco -
Munouwa Haita
Special Olympics Namibia -
Adam Hammer
Special Olympics Hungary -
Lai Wei Hang
Special Olympics Hong Kong -
Ryan Hanson
Special Olympics New Mexico -
Fatma Mohamed Nasser al Harthi
Special Olympics Oman -
Yasmin Hassan
Special Olympics Egypt -
Linda Guissel Valladares Hernández
Special Olympics Honduras -
Heather Holland
Special Olympics Wisconsin -
Mónica Carolina Rivas Melgar
Special Olympics El Salvador -
Tamary Mujaranji
Special Olympics Zimbabwe -
Urimondjiara Ruzo
Special Olympics Namibia -
Ron Szeto
Special Olympics Hong Kong -
Daniela Valentino
Special Olympics Italy
