July 2019, at the Regional Special Olympics Event, five athletes from Daluz Vivencias Equinas qualified for the National Special Olympics Equestrian event in Costa Rica. Those five athletes are part of the Daluz sponsored athlete program for 2019 but their sponsorship ends in December. Please consider helping these five athletes achieve their dream of competing at the first National Special Olympics Equestrian event in Punterenas, Costa Rica in April 2020.
10.5% of Costa Rica's total population has a disability. Of this subgroup 47,358 are children and adolescents, representing about 3.6% of the total number of children and adolescents in Costa Rica many living in impoverished situations with few resources. We work with a fairly broad group of children and adults offering therapies that were previously inaccessible or unavailable in Costa Rica. Raising support for these invaluable therapies and experiences is very difficult in Costa Rica.
As part of the athlete's training, they receive Equine Therapy tailored to help specifically with their particular disability enabling them to achieve a higher level of function that will benefit them the rest of their lives. We have countless success stories of individuals learning to be able to brush their teeth independently, or dress, or bath, or communicate with those around them. In addition to training, the event itself creates a life-long memory that builds confidence.
2020 is the first year the sport of Equestrian will be added to the Costa Rica National Special Olympics Calendar. Sponsoring these athletes and enabling them to compete will inspire a generation of others with special needs from challenging economic backgrounds giving them a goal to strive for. Your donation will help build the sport, provide therapy for five athletes, and inspire thousands to follow in their footsteps in Costa Rica.
