World swimming championship (DSISO) - November 2012
Professional huggers, that ́s what these guys should be called. This place was different from
any other, funny looking people were not looked at differently and they were the ones
leading the show this time. 6th Down Syndrome World Championship, Loano Italy,
November 2012. Dancing by the music playing out loud, or by their mp3 rhythm, cheering
for their colleagues or for life in general, looking for their families’ support, coaches
approval, new partners...so far I could not tell any difference from a so called “normal”
championship. However, the tenderness, the purity and the “under the skin and ready to
blow emotions” would flag up something special was happening in that hot and stuffed
swimming complex. These athletes are amazing! Swimming 400 and 1500 meters, gosh! I
was tired just by looking at them. Tears of joy and pride in case of victory or of
disappointment would burst out of their eyes, even if they were in the middle of the scoring
table. Yes they have different perceptions and might count less well, some athletes would
either continue past the end of the run or stop beforehand, losing a few seconds and
sometimes to a worse place. But so what? I could not, for sure, do what they are doing and I
don’t have an extra chromosome, besides that’s what we were there for, just give them
small guidance when they got lost.
“We all do our best, but some people by doing it simply make the world a better place”
And those parents, families, and friends...I just wanted to hug everyone. It seemed that ideal
and understandable place, no questions made (not that I ́m against them I really prefer to
be asked than ignored or starred at) no second looks, no sorrows, everyone ́s equal and we
just interact all differently. We understand, value and respect others’ “fights and conquers”.
I just wanted to stay there, no “shield on”...and I admire those coaches. They take care of
their athletes proudly, respectfully and above all as friends. And there we were, families,
friends, coaches and committees all gathered, shouting, cheering and stressing out for these
kids, women and man that don ́t have/absorb most of the world ́s madness, corruption and
tyranny. They hug the winner right next to them, in the water or in the podium, with a
genuine hug and no hard feelings. Honestly, how could the world live without different
people? How could we be constantly reminded of humans ́ best attributes and the sense of
humanity? The world needs pure and genuine beings.
Joana Madeira Vaz
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