Every athlete’s journey is shaped by those who believed the most in them—family. Behind every achievement, competition and victory there are parents, siblings, and loved ones and are cheering with lots of love, strength and encouragement. During the Special Olympics World Winter Games this support shines even brighter. Jena Suarez Alvarez and Rodrigo Prado Arias, parents of Daniela Prado Suarez, a Mexican athlete competing in Turin, are a beautiful example of the love and dedication that fuel these Games.
Born with Down syndrome and a heart condition, Daniela needed to be active—so she started swimming. But when she couldn’t swim in the ocean, she found another way to move—so she tried ice skating. The ice rink became her new passion, a place where she felt strong and free. What began as necessity turned into determination, leading to five years of training and national championships in Mexico.
Then, someone asked: Why not the Special Olympics? The idea thrilled her parents. But just as she was ready to compete, COVID put her dreams on hold. She waited, trained, and when the time finally came, she was unstoppable.
With family, friends, and an entire community cheering her on, Daniela proves that no dream is too big. Her schoolmates eagerly await competition updates, and her parents proudly stand by her side, knowing their greatest role is to believe in her.
Watching their daughter on the field, they are reminded of the countless moments of support and encouragement they’ve given her. Every cheer, every smile, every step she takes is a reflection to the love and strength that have carried them all this far.
“Don’t put limits on your children. The only limits that exist are the ones we refuse to break.”
