People celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 to acknowledge the rights of many citizens around the world that thrive despite the difficulties they face in society.
Lima 2019 ambassador, Dunia Felices, told Villa Jardín school students her brave life story. The outstanding national Para swimmer shared her life experiences with the students, as an inspirational role model. “I’ve never stopped chasing my dreams. Disabilities do not mean we cannot fight for what we want. I started playing sports one year ago and since that moment my goal was to win it all.
I have many medals and I recently won three gold medals in Colombia”, said Dunia Felices, applauded by more than 400 students at this school. Elementary school students from Villa Jardín in San Luis had the opportunity to ask her questions about her life and her passion for sports.
“Remember: when you see a person with an impairment, don’t be shocked. That person is just like you. Maybe we have difficulties moving around, but we have the same rights and duties. The Parapan American Games will help people realize all that we can achieve in sports,” said the Lima ambassador. “Milco”, the Lima 2019 mascot, also went to the event. Children were interested and excited to meet him.
Dunia Felices said she was moved by the amount of affection children showed her. “It’s heartwarming and exciting to be close to the students. Many of them knew about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and that is important to us; it shows their respect to all people”, Dunia said.
The school also has children with some type of disability. The school is very close to VIDENA, the main competition venue of Lima 2019. This is why they promised to go to the largest multi-sport event in the Americas, to be held in our country since July 26, 2019.