This is a short story about SO Guadeloupe athlete Roy Ceron and the importance of participating in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 for his team, his school, the island of Guadeloupe and his personal development.
Athlete Roy Ceron will compete as a short distance runner in the athletics competitions at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
The trip to Berlin will be the first big trip in his life: "It will be my first time flying." However, the 6-foot-3 athlete is used to shorter journeys, traveling from his home island of Guadeloup to his training facility and school at the Institut Médico-Educatifs (IME) on the neighboring island of Marie-Galante. To do this, Roy Ceron often has to get up at 5am to catch the first ferry.
Speed gives me joy.
The Institut Médico-Educatifs (IME) is a school and medical facility that is home to 58 children and young people. Director Nadine Pelage is also pleased about Roy's participation at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
"This is the first time we have participated in the Special Olympics. Sports play an important role in our work, as do dance and music, because that strengthens motor, cognitive and coordination skills. The fact that we, as a very small island, can now go to the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin makes us very happy. It is a great opportunity for our athletes to have very special experiences. The whole world will be there, and so will we," says Pelage happily.
The passion for fast running
Roy Ceron has discovered athletics for himself. "Speed gives me joy," he says, beaming pensively. Together with his coach Lucien Lyncee, Ceron takes particular pleasure in working on his technique and in managing his strength well for the 100 meters.
Lyncee is a coach who works individually with his athletes and emphasizes a gentle approach. He has worked with Roy for a long time and is fascinated by his development through the sport.
"He used to be much shyer. In the beginning, you could hardly get a word out of him. But now he can express himself well," Lyncee says. Lyncee also sees that as a result of sports, training and the many shared experiences for this development.
Roy's plans for the future
Roy has also already made plans for the future: "After school, I'd like to work in a hotel." But first he is looking forward to the summer in Berlin.
We also look forward to welcoming you and your team to the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023!
