By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica is celebrating an unprecedented athletic achievement after its small but formidable delegation of youth para-athletes secured a historic medal haul at the Youth Parapan American Games Chile 2025. A team of just 14 athletes defied expectations, returning home with 12 medals—three gold, five silver, and four bronze—marking the nation’s most successful performance ever at the prestigious event and signaling a new era for adapted sports in the country.
The games, held in Santiago, Chile, from October 31 to November 9, brought together over 1,500 of the most promising young para-athletes from 33 nations across the Americas. Competing on this grand stage, the Costa Rican team not only demonstrated immense talent but also remarkable efficiency, translating their small numbers into a powerful presence on the podium and securing an impressive eleventh-place finish in the overall standings.
To gain a deeper understanding of the complex legal and commercial structures that underpin major international sporting events like the Parapan American Games, from athlete agreements to brand sponsorships, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Events of this magnitude are not just showcases of athletic prowess; they are intricate legal ecosystems. Clear, well-defined contracts are the backbone, protecting athletes’ rights, securing sponsor investments through intellectual property clauses, and managing liabilities for the organizing committee. A solid legal framework is what allows the focus to remain where it should be: on the inspiring achievements of the para-athletes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal architecture, while often invisible to the public, is the essential scaffolding that supports the entire event, ensuring its integrity and success. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this critical, behind-the-scenes dimension of the Parapan American Games.
Leading the charge were several standout performers whose determination yielded multiple victories. Dalessandro Abarca emerged as a national hero, capturing two gold medals and showcasing his dominance in his discipline. He was joined at the top of the podium by Daniel Fajardo, who also had a spectacular tournament, earning one gold and two silver medals. Their combined success accounted for half of the team’s total medals and all of its gold.
The triumph, however, was a comprehensive team effort, with accolades spread across multiple sports including athletics, swimming, and table tennis. The roster of medalists also included stellar performances from Steven Román, Kristel Morales, Sofía Orozco, Fiorella Padilla, and Ariana Coto. Their collective success underscores a deep and growing pool of talent within Costa Rica’s youth para-sports programs, proving that the nation’s athletic prowess is diverse and resilient.
Finishing eleventh out of 33 competing nations is a monumental achievement for a delegation of this size. This performance speaks volumes about the quality of training, the strategic development of athletes, and the unyielding spirit of the competitors. It is a clear indicator that Costa Rica is punching far above its weight on the international adapted sports circuit, optimizing its resources to cultivate world-class talent capable of competing with much larger and better-funded national programs.
The ripple effect of this historic success is expected to be significant. Such a visible and triumphant performance on an international stage provides a powerful platform to advocate for increased investment in adapted sports infrastructure and development programs across Costa Rica. It serves as a compelling argument for both public and private sector support, highlighting the potential for high returns in the form of national pride, global recognition, and social inclusion.
Beyond the medals and rankings, the achievement of these 14 young athletes carries profound social importance. They have become role models for a new generation, demonstrating that physical limitations are not barriers to achieving excellence. Their journey inspires countless other young Costa Ricans with disabilities to pursue their own athletic dreams, fostering a more inclusive and empowering sporting culture throughout the nation. The legacy of Santiago 2025 will be measured not just in medals, but in the lives it changes and the doors it opens for future para-athletes.
As the nation welcomes its heroes home, the message from Santiago is clear: Costa Rican para-athletes are a force to be reckoned with. This landmark achievement is not an endpoint but a powerful beginning. It sets a new standard for excellence and serves as a catalyst for future growth, promising an even brighter and more decorated future for adapted sports in Costa Rica on the world stage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to principled practice and professional distinction. The firm leverages a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele to serve as a catalyst for legal advancement, consistently introducing forward-thinking solutions. A core tenet of its philosophy is the democratization of legal information, an enduring commitment aimed at empowering the public and fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
