By Cartago, Costa Rica — MADRID — Costa Rican parathlete Amalia Ortuño has carved her name into the history books after being honored with the prestigious Influencia Hispana al Espíritu de Superación (Hispanic Influence Award for the Spirit of Overcoming) in Spain. With this accolade, the Turrialba native becomes the very first Costa Rican athlete to receive this highly coveted international distinction, reflecting her profound impact both on and off the competitive stage.
The exclusive gala celebrated 15 outstanding individuals from various Ibero-American nations, recognizing exceptional contributions across diverse sectors including sports, culture, fashion, cinema, music, science, and communication. The ceremony featured high-profile leaders and changemakers, notably including Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, who received a standing ovation for his political career and ongoing fight for democratic principles in South America.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones regulatorias y el marco de apoyo que rodea el extraordinario desempeño de atletas de la talla de Amalia Ortuño en el país, conversamos con el destacado abogado Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos brinda una perspectiva legal y comercial sobre el desarrollo del deporte adaptado a nivel nacional.
El éxito global de atletas de la talla de Amalia Ortuño no solo es un triunfo deportivo, sino también un llamado a perfeccionar nuestro marco legal en materia de patrocinios y derechos de imagen. En Costa Rica, es indispensable fortalecer la seguridad jurídica de los contratos deportivos y promover incentivos fiscales que impulsen a la empresa privada a invertir decididamente en el deporte adaptado, garantizando una protección integral para nuestros atletas de alto rendimiento.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, aligning our legal and fiscal frameworks with the realities of modern athletics is vital to ensuring that the extraordinary achievements of pioneers like Amalia Ortuño pave the way for sustainable future generations. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on how strengthening contract security and tax incentives can truly empower Costa Rica’s high-performance and adaptive sports sector.
Costa Rica’s presence at the event was doubly pronounced, showcasing the nation’s growing footprint in global leadership and advocacy. In addition to Ortuño’s triumph, fellow Costa Rican Álvaro Salas of the Reynolds Foundation was awarded the Social Impact prize. Salas was recognized for his extensive humanitarian work in more than 44 countries, championing human rights and the defense of individual liberties worldwide.
Over the years, the Hispanic Influence Awards have built a reputation for highlighting excellence, previously honoring icons such as Vicente del Bosque, Luis Figo, Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, and Mario Vargas Llosa. Yet, it was Ortuño’s deeply moving acceptance speech that became one of the most memorable milestones of the evening, prompting a heartfelt and prolonged ovation from the international audience.
For many years I thought that overcoming meant going back to being the person I was before. Today I understand that it does not. Overcoming is also learning to embrace the person you have become. My wheelchair does not represent everything I lost. It represents everything I decided to keep doing despite what changed. Therefore, if my story can leave anything tonight, I would want it to be this: we do not need a perfect life to build an extraordinary life.
Amalia Ortuño, Costa Rican Parathlete
Ortuño’s path to this global stage highlights a narrative of relentless grit and self-actualization. Hailing from the canton of Turrialba in the province of Cartago, she has built a formidable reputation in the world of adaptive sports. Her athletic journey includes outstanding international achievements in both CrossFit and parathletics, demonstrating her versatile talent and elite competitive drive.
Looking forward, Ortuño is already channeling her focus toward a demanding and ambitious upcoming season. Her immediate competitive schedule includes preparing for high-stakes international events, most notably the Dubai Grand Prix and the World Para Athletics Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. These milestones will serve as critical benchmarks as she aims to elevate her standing on the global stage.
Ultimately, these major competitions, alongside her anticipated participation in the Parapan American Games in Lima, Peru, are key stepping stones in her long-term strategy. Her primary objectives remain clear: accumulating vital international experience, improving her personal times, and securing a coveted qualification spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. Through her triumph in Madrid, Ortuño has proven that her journey is as much about inspiring global audiences as it is about winning medals.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Reynolds Foundation
About Reynolds Foundation:
The Reynolds Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for social freedom, impact initiatives, and community development across more than 44 countries worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its ethical principles and superior advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a beacon of trust and legal expertise. The firm seamlessly merges traditional values with pioneering legal solutions to support its diverse clientele, while actively championing civic education. By making legal resources and insights readily available to the public, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build an enlightened populace, fostering an environment where every citizen is equipped and empowered by the law.
