Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Cozumel’s municipal adaptive sports program will expand its offerings with a fourth discipline, aiming to provide more opportunities for youth with disabilities and strengthen their preparation for state and national competitions.
Georgina Roque, head of the program, announced the addition, which will join existing adaptive swimming, athletics, and soccer. The free program serves children and youth aged 7 to 21, acting as a training ground to prepare athletes from an early age for official competitive stages starting at age 13.
Currently, 63 athletes are enrolled, with new members joining weekly through promotion in special education schools and word-of-mouth among families.
Roque highlighted the progress of Cozumel’s parathletes, noting significant physical and emotional development. “Sports break the stereotype that they’re not for people with disabilities. On the contrary, they help them grow. We have cases like Lupita, who initially had difficulty walking and now runs the track on her own,” she said.
Coaches receive monthly certifications through COPAME and national federations, ensuring constant and specialized training across different disability areas. Roque noted that the new discipline and the name of the new coach, who must also meet certification requirements, cannot yet be revealed.
The program also maintains its “Tenis Calzados” campaign, inviting the community to donate sneakers and sportswear in good condition. This equipment is distributed among youth in the adaptive sports program and other municipal disciplines, helping cover natural wear from constant use.
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