Special Olympics Puerto Rico (SOPR) and Virtus Puerto Rico have signed a collaborative agreement to benefit athletes with intellectual disabilities in the country. The partnership will allow for the identification and development of talented athletes, promoting sports development, inclusion, and competitive opportunities.
According to SOPR President Arnaldo Pérez, athletes identified by SOPR with high-performance potential can be referred to Virtus' competitive programs, while those identified by Virtus who do not meet high-performance criteria can be referred to SOPR's inclusive sports programs. Virtus Puerto Rico President Miguel Caraballo stated that the agreement represents a firm commitment to athletes and Puerto Rico, expanding opportunities for athletes to develop, compete, and reach their full potential.
The two organizations work with athletes with intellectual disabilities but have different focuses: Virtus Puerto Rico focuses on high-performance sports, while SOPR works with athletes of various skill levels, ensuring balanced competitions. The agreement also includes collaboration on certification and evaluation processes, workshop development, athlete recruitment, and volunteer coordination.