Spanish sports stars visit 'Young Athletes' project in Madrid
10 June 2013
Spain Laureus Foundation Ambassador Almudena Cid was joined by former Olympic hockey gold medalist Mercedes Coghen and former Spain and Real Madrid midfielder Rafael Martín Vázquez to visit the ‘Young Athletes’ project in Madrid today.
The ‘Young Athletes’ project, which is jointly supported by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Spain and the Special Olympics, helps more than 100 children aged from 2-7 with intellectual disabilities using sport as a tool to improve their physical and mental capabilities.
Laureus Ambassador and former gymnast Almudena Cid said: “It is wonderful to be able to share a few hours with these young athletes. To see their excitement, and their strength to overcome challenges every day, is a lesson for everyone.”
The attending stars took part in some of the sports activities and awarded the children with medals and diplomas in recognition of their sacrifices and personal successes.
The project has been supported by Laureus since 2006 and Chairman of the Laureus Foundation Spain, Gabriel Masfurrol, said: “I want to thank these great athletes for coming to this Laureus Foundation Spain project. This program is focused on supporting children who have had varying disabilities from an early age, helping them through sport activities to improve their physical and intellectual health and maybe find a new way of living.”
The Chairman of Special Olympics Spain, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr, , who is also a member of the Laureus Foundation Spain board, added: “It is fundamental for people with intellectual disabilities to practice sport when they are young. Our main objective is to consolidate the program and help it grow, reaching the rest of Spain in the next few years.”
