The Special Olympics has been in existence for more than five decades, and last week the organization launched a brand-new venture with a focus on Hispanic athletes.
According to Cision PR Newswire, the campaign is called "Escuela de Fuerza," which means “School of Strength,” and it involves second baseman Gleyber Torres of the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras.
A New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst study shows that people with intellectual disabilities are six times more likely to die of COVID-19, and Hispanic communities are feeling the brunt of the pandemic.
"Now, more than ever, all athletes, especially those with intellectual disabilities, need to keep their bodies fit and strong in a challenging routine,” Torres said, according to Cision PR Newswire. “I had lots of fun filming this campaign with Special Olympics, and I hope all Hispanic athletes, no matter what fitness level, enjoy these workout routines as much as I do. I very much support Special Olympics making it a priority to reach young men and women with intellectual disabilities in the Hispanic communities.”
The program features Torres and Contreras as commentators in a workout series aimed at teens through adults in their 30s. It also includes Special Olympics athletes Tomas Monsivais, Abigail Zamorano, Julian Rodriguez and Ramon Jimenez.
"Escuela de Fuerza" is a partnership with the Special Olympics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it is based on the School of Strength fitness campaign of March 2020.
The new campaign involves four workout videos, as well as online tools that can be downloaded for coaches and caregivers. These include recipes, games and health tips for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Contreras said that he has been a supporter of the Special Olympics for years, and last year he became an ambassador to the organization in an effort to stop discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities.
“Over the years, I met many Spanish-speaking athletes with intellectual disabilities and made an immediate connection,” Contreras told Cision PR Newswire. “Their determination inspired me to work on the 'Escuela de Fuerza' campaign to get others excited about working out and getting fit.”
