Brisa and Florencia are dedicated leaders and volunteers who attribute Special Olympics as something that’s forever changed their lives for the better, but they recognized that much of the Santa Rosa community is not informed when it comes to intellectual disabilities. So, with their project, Brisa and Florencia will get the entire community involved in the organization and implementation of an inclusive 5K that ends with a cultural show put on by Special Olympics athletes. Their hope is that this will both educate the community at large about intellectual disabilities and develop long-lasting connections between athletes and members of the community.  

Over 9 months, Brisa and Florencia will host trainings all over Santa Rosa at schools, foundations and other associations in order to prepare volunteers, athletes and families for the “INCLUPÍA” 5K, which is named in homage to Pía Soldati who is the President of Special Olympics Argentina. The 5K event will include a walk around the Don Tomas Lagoon with games posted at each kilometer and ending with cultural and musical performances by the athletes. Brisa and Florencia hope to recruit 25 new Youth Leaders through this project and involve the entire community in this day of celebrating inclusion. All attendees will be asked to sign a promise for inclusion, and Brisa and Florencia believe that this will inspire participants to keep practicing inclusion long after the 5K, thereby spreading the Special Olympics message and creating a culture of belonging and integration.