Santo Domingo. - The National Disability Council (CONADIS) recognized this Monday the paralympic athletes Christopher Melenciano and Geraldo Castro for their outstanding participation in recent international events.

The executive director of CONADIS, Dr. Osvaldo Canario, led the activity in which the para-athletes were awarded recognition plaques along with the Deputy Minister of the Presidency, Alberto Rodríguez Mella; the president of the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD), Antonio Acosta; the president of the Dominican Paralympic Committee, Eladio Agramonte, and the heads of the athletics and taekwondo federations, Gerardo Suero Correa and Amaury Guerrero, respectively.

Melenciano, a para-athlete with hearing impairment, recently won gold and silver medals in the 200 and 400 meters sprint events, respectively, at the XXIV Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, while Castro, also with hearing and physical disabilities, won a silver medal at the Pan-American Parataekwondo G4 Championship held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last April.

During his speech, Dr. Canario valued the impact of both para-athletes, stating that they are a huge example for Dominican society, something that CONADIS could not overlook. "CONADIS recognizes in its true dimension the effort, discipline, and sacrifice of these two great assets for Dominican youth who know no limits," said Canario.

"This, more than a recognition, is also a clear message that from CONADIS we support paralympic and adaptive sports because we know that it contributes to a full and inclusive life for people with disabilities," added Canario.

At the event, Mr. Agramonte also took the floor, thanking CONADIS for the initiative and considering that actions like these motivate all athletes with disabilities to continue developing.

Through sign language and an interpreter, Melenciano and Castro also thanked CONADIS for celebrating the recognition initiative and committed to continue focused on achieving all the sports goals that arise along the way.