Thursday, December 12, 2024
Emilian Valdes is not only a badminton coach at Darien Choco, but also a visionary who dreams of creating a place where her students can develop their skills not only in sports but also in life. At the age of 29, his passion for badminton goes beyond training on improved courts or dirt courts and arenas. His true desire is to establish a school in the region, a place where young people can learn discipline, perseverance and values that will help them overcome the limitations of their environment.
Over the years, Emilian has developed close relationships with her students. In each class, he teaches them not to give up, to continue working hard despite the difficulties. At her badminton school in a small churchyard or on the rough terrain of her home, she emphasizes.“What is important is not infrastructure, but attitude and effort (…) It’s not about being the best on the field, it’s about becoming better people every day, learning to get up after every fall.”.
His biggest challenge is to not only train young people in Colombia in such a technical and unconventional sport, but also to provide them with the tools to become better people. The discipline they get from training 3 times a week allows them to face the challenges of life in the most remote areas of the country. “When they step onto the court, they are not only learning to play badminton, but also learning to take responsibility, work as a team, respect others and overcome obstacles. He explains with a hopeful smile.
Despite the logistical limitations, Emilia’s dream lives on. She knew she needed more support to achieve her goal of opening a badminton school in Darien. But until that day comes, keep working.“I want my children to know that no matter where they come from, if they have determination and believe in themselves, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.” To fulfill her dream and the thousands of athletes who follow her, she works to ensure her school and give the necessary guarantees to achieve this.
He wants Choco to become a powerhouse in badminton, a sport that draws crowds across the region day after day.“I want these kids to know that what they learn here will be the foundation of their future, not just as athletes, but as people with principles and values.”.
For Emilia, badminton is not just a passion, it’s a mission: to give her students more promising, more opportunities.
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