Well done, Karen! – Special Olympics 2024

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‘No! I felt like a champion!’ said Karen Valladares of L’Arche Tegucigalpa, Honduras, when asked if she had been nervous before the Latin American Special Olympics 2024, for athletes with intellectual disabilities.  

It was a recipe for success, because Karen immediately turned that ‘champion’ feeling into reality: she didn’t just win the gold medal in the 50 metres sprint, but also the silver medal in the Jump.  

Karen has long been a keen participant in the Special Olympics. Like L’Arche this global movement has a strong track-record in enabling the inclusion of its members with intellectual disabilities in their society.  

Karen with her teammates.

Taking pride in one’s achievements is a big step in the right direction. For Karen, the best moment was ‘when I won and received my gold and silver medals.’ And then came the joy of celebrating her achievements back at home: ‘the community gave me a beautiful welcome, where I shared with everyone and showed them my medals.’

Karen on the podium.

But her success had taken a lot of hard work too!I went to the Olympic Village with Alejandra to practice athletics twice a week; I was disciplined in my training and very cheerful.Her advice for other potential champions? They need to train, go to the village to run, pray, and eat eggs, plantains, beans, and butter.’ Anyone planning to compete against her will have to work hard- Karen’s next goal is ‘to keep winning medals, participate in competitions, and encourage my teammates.’  

Well done, Karen!