We are excited to start a series introducing you to athletes from around the Americas Zone. Powerchair football is played by people of all ages who are involved in a variety of activities in their home countries. We want to share these stories with you. Our first profiled athlete is Santiago Arocena, a 15-year-old Argentinian national team athlete who started playing powerchair football in 2022.
How did you first become involved in powerchair football?
I discovered powerchair football through my physiotherapist and my parents. I have SMA, spinal muscular atrophy, and in Argentina there's FAME, Families with SMA in Argentina. One of the parents of the kids who played talked to my parents about it. At first, I was a little hesitant, but when I saw a training session and got in the Strikeforce for the first time, I never stopped training. It was truly wonderful to see that I could play soccer and do what I love most. Being able to compete and make the national team, which was one of my dreams, made me realize how beautiful this sport is.
Speaking of the national team, how does it feel to be competing for your nation at a World Cup hosted in your country?
Well, the truth is I have high expectations for this World Cup because I feel it's an opportunity to show what I've accomplished and realize how far I've come, and also how far I can go. I feel proud and excited to be hosting the World Cup because it means my friends and family can see me up close and enjoy such a high-level tournament.
Tell us about some goals you have set in your life.
One of my personal projects this year and in the years to come is to maintain and improve my physical fitness so I can live independently and do more things on my own. I also want to continue improving and winning more individual and team titles in powerchair football.
Can you share your philosophy of life and how that impacts you, as well as the people around you?
I like to see life by accepting things as they are and finding ways to do what I want and love, however I can and in my own way. I enjoy moments with my friends and moments that I know will never be repeated.
I am incredibly grateful to my entire family, my mom, my dad, and my sister, for all their support and everything they've done since I was born to help and support me in everything I do.
I'm also grateful to my friends for making me happy and helping me enjoy life.
Thank you, Santiago, for taking time to answer some questions for us, and best of luck in the upcoming World Cup!
Learn more about how to get involved with powerchair football.
