Mar del Plata Rallies Behind National Team

A nationwide fundraising effort has been launched to support ten athletes from Mar del Plata, Argentina, as they prepare to represent their country at the 2026 World Championships in athletics, basketball, judo, swimming, and artistic swimming. The campaign, titled “Heading to the 2026 World Cup – We believe in them,” aims to raise $40,000 to cover travel, accommodation, registration, and insurance costs for each athlete – approximately $4,000 per person.

Recent Training and Achievements

The Argentine Basketball Team for athletes with Down syndrome recently completed a training camp in Mar del Plata, featuring local players Angelo Fregonese and Agustín Bortolotto. The Argentine Judo Team, led by coach Silvina Elgart, also held a training session in Buenos Aires. These athletes have already demonstrated significant success, including a European runner-up finish for Fregonese and Bortolotto in basketball in 2025, and South American championships in judo for Natalia Colantonio and Florencia Bombarda.

Athletes and Their Destinations

• Athletics (Bulgaria, June 2026): Fausto Marceillac
• Basketball (Hungary, June 2026): Angelo Fregonese and Agustín Bortolotto
• Judo (Sweden, August 2026): Natalia Colantonio and Florencia Bombarda
• Swimming (Portugal, November 2026): Mauricio Nistal, Agustín Marengo, and Agustín Bortolotto
• Artistic Swimming (Portugal, November 2026): Violeta Méndez Quiroga, Clara Nievas, and Zoe Roveretti

FADASD: A Growing Force in Inclusive Sports

The Argentine Sports Federation for Athletes with Down Syndrome (FADASD), established in 2021, has rapidly grown from 13 to over 100 federated athletes. The organization currently supports competition in ten disciplines and hosts events for over 450 athletes annually, having secured more than 100 international medals. FADASD is a non-profit civil association dedicated to developing competitive sports opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome throughout Argentina.

“Sports practice in people with Down syndrome improves health, strengthens autonomy, increases self-esteem and promotes real social inclusion.”

How to Contribute

Individuals and organizations can contribute to the campaign through the following Mercado Pago links:

• $15,000 Contribution: https://mpago.la/1swSnp4
• $25,000 Contribution: https://mpago.la/2DfoLSS

Donations can also be made via bank transfer to the alias FADASD.

More Than Just Competition

The campaign emphasizes that participation in the World Cups represents more than just athletic competition. It provides opportunities for independence, development, and a brighter future for these athletes. As stated, Each World Cup is not just a competition. It is independence, development and future.

FAQ

What is the fundraising goal?

The goal is to raise $40,000 to cover the expenses for ten athletes to compete in the 2026 World Championships.

What sports are the athletes competing in?

Athletics, basketball, judo, swimming, and artistic swimming.

How can I donate?

You can donate through Mercado Pago links provided in the article or via bank transfer to the alias FADASD.