Thursday, December 12, 2024
Emeliane Valdés is not only a badminton coach in Darién, Chocó, but also a visionary who dreams of creating a space where her students can develop their talent, not only in sport, but also in life. At 29 years old, his passion for badminton goes beyond improvised courts or training on dirt fields and platforms. His true desire is to establish a school in the region, a place where young people can learn discipline, perseverance and values that help them overcome the limitations of their environment.
Over the years, Emeliane has cultivated a close relationship with her students. In each class, he teaches them not to give up, to continue working hard despite difficulties. In her humble badminton school, located in a small church courtyard or on the uneven ground of her house, she emphasizes that: ““What matters is not the infrastructure, but the attitude and effort (…) It’s not about being the best on the field, it’s about being better people every day, learning to get up after every fall.”.
His greatest challenge is not only to train young people in such a technical and uncommon sport in Colombia, but to provide them with the tools to be better people. The discipline they acquire in their training, which is 3 times a week, allows them to face the challenges that life presents them in one of the most remote areas of the country. “When they enter the court, they are not just playing badminton, they are learning to be responsible, to work as a team, to respect others and to overcome obstacles,” He explains with a hopeful smile.
Despite logistical limitations, Emeliane’s dream lives on. She knows that to achieve her goal of opening a badminton school in Darien, she will need more support. But until that day comes, keep working”“I want my kids to know that no matter where they come from, if they have determination and believe in themselves, they can achieve anything they set their mind to.” To fulfill her dream and that of thousands of athletes who follow her, she works to confirm her school and provide the necessary guarantees to achieve it.
He wants Chocó to become a powerhouse in badminton, a sport that attracts more people throughout the region day after day: ““I want these kids to know that what they are learning here will be the basis of their future, not only as athletes, but as people with principles and values.”.
For Emeliane, badminton is not just a passion, but a mission: to offer her students a more promising future, full of opportunities.
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