They strive to be an example of self-improvement, they turn time around, they divide their lives between the fields and the studios, they strive to be those fictional superheroes, because their role as parents is as great as their convictions to build a family. better citizenship: healthy, full of values and with hope.
Within the framework of Father’s Day, Carlos Felipa, silver medalist at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games; Nilton Soto; bronze medalist; Niel García, Paralympic in Beijing 2008; Ronald Miranda, silver medalist in the South American Parabádminton Guayaquil 2019; and José Ipanaqué, vaccine coordinator, exemplify the distinctive values of the Legacy Project, transcending the sports field.
Based on the value of courage, Nilton Soto assures that the work of a father implies sacrifice and dedication. The 23-year-old fighter has been able to divide his time between virtual Physical Education classes, training and caring for his son, Rodrigo, who changed his life more than a year ago.
“I spent nights without sleep, I even had to work delivering delivery at the beginning of the pandemic. I get up at dawn to go out to train at the Legado headquarters, then I go home to listen to classes, later I give private basketball and swimming lessons. Sacrificing for a child is worth it. I hope he follows in my footsteps and becomes a fighter”, He highlights.
LOVE ON WHEELS
Suffering the consequences of polio when he was barely a year old, Ronald Miranda was not stopped in his quest to become a high-performance athlete. Motivated by the value of inspiration, he fell in love with Para badminton and was a member of the first national team, along with Pilar Jáuregui, Pedro Pablo de Vinatea and Jesús Salvá.
“Competitive sport takes time and you sacrifice days without seeing your children. I was a dad 11 years ago. Camila, my daughter, came to become the main motivation. She accompanies me to training sessions, she even handles the wheelchair very well. With a lot of effort, we have been able to accompany each other. It is the most beautiful gift that could come to my life”, emphasizes.
When her daughter Camila heard it, she puffed up her chest with pride: “He plays even though he can’t walk, that’s how he has taught me that everything is achieved with effort and there are no limits, even when difficulties arise in life”, replica.
Niel García, paralympic in Beijing 2008, is another example of improvement, which he personifies in the value of respect. At the age of 48, the Para athlete plans to extend his career until the Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, in the Para powerlifting discipline. He dreams that his son, Alexander, will see him compete in the most important event in the world.
“My son is 9 years old, he likes Judo and I would love for him to be an athlete. I remember breaking my leg before a World Cup, but seeing my son in the stands pushed me to win the bronze medal. He watches my competitions on YouTube and is very happy to see his successful father“, account.
Carlos Felipa highlights the value of the determination that he sets as an example to his three children: Camila, Renato and Mateo. While perfecting his shot put from the Atlético de la Villa Deportiva Nacional (VIDENA) stadium, managed by Legado, he remembers with deep nostalgia the teachings of his father, who died a few months ago due to COVID-19.
“It will be a different Father’s Day. My dad, from heaven, is proud of me and his grandchildren. Thanks to him I am the man that I am. I have the support of my children who assimilated very well the situation I went through when I lost my leg a decade ago, after suffering an attack together with the Army command in the VRAEM. Despite difficult situations, you can get ahead”, he says.
Beyond sports, José Ipanaque, vaccination coordinator who works at the Legado headquarters, agrees on the importance of sports infrastructure in favor of the population. The Bachelor of Nursing vaccinates almost 3,000 people a day, taking the risks of their profession, in the framework of the pandemic.
“It will be difficult to spend Father’s Day away from my son, because he is in Piura. I will receive your video call while I work on the Videna. If I’m here, it’s because of him. 24 hours a day I think about her smile. I had it very young and my life totally changed. He wants to be a swimmer and I would like to see him at the Aquatic Center, where we vaccinate ”, he comments excitedly.
In this way, the Pan American and Parapan American Games Legacy Project greets Peruvian parents in their day, recognizing their effort and unconditional love, in the midst of the pandemic that the country is experiencing.
