International Day of Families is observed on 15 May annually. It was designated by the United Nations in 1993 to promote awareness of issues related to families and honor the critical role they play in society.
It comes as no surprise that supportive, nurturing families are crucial for the success of Special Olympics athletes all around the world. Below are two stories from Special Olympics families in Mexico and Kenya.
Special Olympics Mexico Unified Pair Sophia and Rodrigo
Fernanda is the mother of Special Olympics Mexico athlete Rodrigo and Sophia, a Unified partner.
Sofia trains as a Unified partner in tennis with her brother Rodrigo who is an athlete with Special Olympics Mexico. Their mother Fernanda has seen Sofia and Rodrigo’s relationship grow and create lasting memories together.
According to Sofia, “Special Olympics Mexico has presented Rodrigo and me with a significant opportunity to grow as people, as individuals and as siblings.”
The Bond between Special Olympics Kenya athletes and Their Sister Effie
Effie is the sister of two Special Olympics Kenya athletes Nicole and Jeff who both live with autism and enjoys bonding with them through playing Unified bocce ball.
Effie’s sister Nicole and brother Jeff are Special Olympics Kenya athletes who enjoy playing bocce. She advocates for inclusion on behalf of her siblings and other people with disabilities who are often sidelined and mistreated.
“I decided to use the challenges as a chance to advocate and also create awareness about persons living with intellectual disabilities,” says Effie.