The Special Olympics Costa Rica delegation returns to the country with an impressive total of 103 medals obtained during their participation in the IV Latin American Games of Special Olympics Asunción 2024, held in Paraguay.
The Tico team, which stood out both for its sporting performance and for its spirit of inclusion, accumulated 40 gold, 43 silver and 20 bronze medals in 12 different disciplines.
He power lifting was the most successful discipline for Costa Rica, achieving 30 medalsfollowed by rhythmic gymnasticswhich added 19 medals. Athletics contributed with 16 medalsy swimming added 12 more to the medal table. Other disciplines such as bowls they managed 8 medals, table tennis got 6y badminton contributed 5.
In collective sports, Ticos teams also left their mark. In baloncesto y futsalboth the women’s and men’s teams won two medals each. For its part, beach volleyball, field tennis y triathlon They added a medal each to the overall harvest.
Laura Valverdedirector of games and competitions at Special Olympics Costa Rica, indicated:
We feel extremely satisfied with the participation of our athletes in these IV Latin American Games. Preparation has been very intense in recent months to ensure that the athletes arrived in Asunción in the best conditions. “We are very happy with the performance they showed during the last 10 days.”
Valverde also stressed the importance of the commitment to inclusion:
Our commitment to intellectual disability and inclusion remains stronger than ever. These events not only offer opportunities for competition, but also spaces that foster joy and personal growth for our athletes.”
Costa Rica stood out not only for its performance, but also for the size of its delegation. With 112 personas In total, it was the third largest delegationsurpassed only by the Paraguayan hosts and Uruguay. Of the participants, 60 were athletes with intellectual disabilities, 24 unified competitors (without cognitive disability) and 28 coaches and technical staff.
This edition in Paraguay is the fourth time that the Latin American Special Olympics Gamesthe previous one being Panama 2017. The event reinforces the commitment of the entire region to inclusion and sport as a tool for social transformation, in which Costa Rica consolidates itself as a benchmark.
