Parapan Am Games champion, Raul Anguiano, is the Best Americas Para Athlete of 2019, after the closing of the voting for the ‘Jose Luis Campo’ Awards.
“I feel very proud, it is an honor to have been nominated among the top 10 for athletes of 2019. Seeing the list of athletes and being with them, they are world champions, they are admirable, it definitely fills me with pride, emotion, but when you enter in a choice like this it is nice to see the support of people.” Raul refered after winning today.
Raul Anguiano won the first gold medal for Guatemala in a Parapan Am Games, becaming a celebrity in his country. Also, Guatemala’s star has the same number of crowns as Pan American Championships have been made (2010, 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2018).
“It fills me with pride and satisfaction, but at the same time a big responsibility because I represent my country, badminton and Para badminton of Pan America, and obviously I will continue to work hard so as not to disappoint them sportively and in my contribution to the development of badminton.”
Raul is the pioneer of Para badminton in our region and throughout his sports career he has represented, not only Guatemala but the entire continent, in the best way, managing to be part of the organization of the only Para Badminton World Championship on the continent (Guatemala 2011).
Our champion started in the conventional badminton at age 10, and despite having a problem at his birth he did not give up and was able to stand out and compete for 18 years in the conventional badminton. Then, he started in Para badminton and has become the legend he is now.
“I never thought of being nominated among the best in America. Since childhood I have enjoyed badminton, of competing. Because of my disability I have tried to do my best to be well physically and compete against conventional players. It definitely helped me as a person, in many areas, in health, self-esteem, socially. Badminton has been my means of development, but I didn’t think I could get that far. That’s the beauty of life. When you do things with passion, effort and faith, life surprises you and things happen.”
“This triumph has been thanks to many people, and even my sporting achievements. My life would not be the same if I did not have my family, wife and children, my mother and father (RIP) who have always supported me. My brothers , all my family that surrounds me with love and support. I have been very fortunate to have good friends, who have been instrumental in my growth. To my co-workers and all the places I have been to. To my coaches: Jose Maria Solis and Heymard Humblers, and to the institutions to which I belong in Guatemala: National Badminton Federation, Autonomous Sports Confederation, Olympic Committee, Paralympic Committee; Badminton Pan American Confederation, Badminton World Federation, to the International Paralympic Committee, Agitos Foundation and above all, to the Americas Paralympic Committee for having created this award, which I believe serves to encourage and promote sports and sports in the region. Thanks to all and definitely thank God. ”
In 2017, Raul left a message for all of us: “If you seek, if you fight and take risks, you will surely find your goal and you will get it”, he has definitely achieved each of his goals and more.
Congratulations Raul !!
About the Award
The APC annually honours the best athlete for her/his outstanding sporting achievements throughout the previous 12 months. The award was named after the APC Founding President, pioneer and driving force behind the development of the Paralympic Movement in the Americas for 20 years.
The Americas Athlete of the Year winners are:
• 2017 – Jose de Jesus Castillo Castillo, Mexico, powerlifting
• 2018 – Jose de Jesus Castillo Castillo, Mexico, powerlifting
• 2019 – Raul Anguiano, Guatemala, Para badminton
