Teresita Lira

Teresita Lira is an athlete leader from Special Olympics Chile and is 24 years old. She is studying to become an illustrator . She says that her experience at Special Olympics Chile has been very important for her development as an athlete and for her personal growth.

She started Special Olympics in 2019, participating in snowboard competitions, during National Winter Games. After that, Teresita began to be considered in meaningful leadership roles within the organization, like attending awareness talks and meetings with authorities.

In 2022, she participated in a working table with the Minister of Sport, to whom she delivered the "Manifesto for Inclusive Sport".

In 2023 Teresita participated in multiple activities, attended the national Youth Leadership summit, the Winter JJNN and at the same time, she took the Athlete Leadership course, which allowed her to be elected as the "Vice President of the Athlete Leadership Council" of SO Chile.

In November 2023, she had the opportunity to participate in a meeting led by the Ministry of Sports in Chile where the Chilean Government submitted their bid to be host of the next Special Olympics World Games in 2027. Teresita said she was very proud to be part of the committee of Special Olympics Chile who accompanied the government in this process and to express and represent the athletes at this event.

As a leader of the movement, she is very motivated both at a sporting level and in continuing to lead actions that generate a more inclusive world for everyone.