On Friday, 5 July, Special Olympics was proud to participate in the raising of the Great Flag of Chile, an event organized by the Ministry of Sports at La Moneda Palace.
The event was attended by authorities such as the Minister of Sports, Jaime Pizarro, the Undersecretary of Sports, Antonia Illanes, the national director of the National Sports Institute, Israel Castro, the president of the Olympic Committee, Miguel Ángel Mujica, and the president of the Paralympic Committee, Sebastián Villavicencio. Each organization participated in the ceremony with different athletes.
Carolina Picasso, president of Special Olympics Chile, was moved by the invitation and the ceremony, explaining that “this is an achievement, seeing that the long journey has had meaning and has given Special Olympics athletes the place they deserve and haven’t had in the past.”
“That the Special Olympics athletes were part of it, holding the flag, standing alongside the Paralympic and Olympic athletes from Chile, is a source of pride and emotion that truly brings tears to my eyes,” Picasso said.
Special Olympics athlete Martín Leiva said, “Everything was excellent. And I enjoyed meeting the Minister of Sports, Jaime Pizarro, who is my great idol. I’m happy to be part of Special Olympics.”
The athletes not only represented their respective organizations with dedication and passion but also symbolized the inclusion and sporting spirit that characterizes Chile. It was a memorable occasion for everyone present, highlighting the importance of sport as a means of integration and personal development.
