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By Leilani Gonzalez

Athletes

Meet the President of Latin America’s Athlete Leader Council

By Leilani Gonzalez

Conoce_a_Julio_Barrera,_Presidente_del_Consejo_Regional_de_Atletas_L%C3%ADderes.jpg

On April 2017, Julio Barrera, Special Olympics Panama athlete, was appointed President of Latin America’s Athlete Leaders Council.

One of his duties is to be the voice of the Special Olympics athletes.

"I am honored by this appointment. Now it's my job to promote inclusion and inspire everyone to understand the importance of Special Olympics for society.”

Julio Barrera, Special Olympics Panama Athlete

Julio, a 28-year-old unified soccer athlete, was bullied in school, but his life took a turn when he got into Special Olympics 15 years ago.

"I started swimming and I represented Panama in Japan. Then I participated in triathlon events and other competitions and won several medals."

Julio is an Athlete Leader and has been working for Copa Airlines for four years. He acknowledges that "Special Olympics can make dreams come true through sports. I am an example of this."

Latin America anti-bullying Athlete Leadership Julio Cesar Barrera

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Special Olympics Athlete Drives with His Passion, Delivers as Independent Provider In January 2024, after five months of hard work, Antrone “Juice” Williams received his Non-Medical Independent Transportation Provider license, something he takes great pride in.
MATP Makes a Splash with Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Region The SO MENA MATP Coach event was conducted in Kuwait from September 6 – 10, 2024.
Daina Shilts Reported on Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 for ESPN Daina Shilts is a Special Olympics North America snowboarder who has worked with ESPN as a sport reporter at previous Special Olympics World Games, Special Olympics USA Games, and other large sporting events.
Patrice Jetter With over 100 medals won from Special Olympics, Patrice Jetter is an accomplished athlete. From bocce, to bowling, cheerleading, figure skating and gymnastics, she proudly displays medals from each sport, each victory on her wall.
EsmeeAnne Becomes First Special Olympics Athlete from Europe to Complete a 70.3 IRONMAN On 1 September 2024, Special Olympics Netherlands athlete EsmeeAnne de Meulmeester ran, swam and cycled her heart out to complete a half IRONMAN in Duisburg, Germany.

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