PROFILE
I am Mateo Kesting, I was born with cerebral palsy, I live in Salta, Argentina, a condition that has marked my life from the beginning. Although my body doesn't respond the same way as others, I have always had a fighting spirit and unwavering determination. For as long as I can remember, I remember being surrounded by barriers. Physical barriers that prevented me from moving easily, emotional barriers that threatened to stop my dreams, and social barriers that attempted to limit my opportunities. But I, in mehumble essence, I decided not to allow those barriers to define me.
At the age of 15, I discovered the Paralympic sport of Boccia. It was like I found a new purpose in my life. This discipline, which consists of throwing balls at a target, gave me an escape route. It allowed me to channel all my energy and show the world that limits only exist if you decide to accept them. For the last 5 years, I have been training with all my might, day after day. My passion for Boccia has become my driving force, my reason to get up every morning and give my best. I have learned to face my own fears, overcome obstacles and never give up. Each release represents a challenge that drives me to move forward. I dream of playing for Boccia's Argentine national team one day. I know it won't be an easy road, but I'm willing to give it my all. My disability does not define me, but rather it drives me to show the world that limitations only exist if one decides to believe in them. On my path to the Argentine Boccia team, I know that there will be difficult moments. There will be defeats and frustrations, but there will also be victories and joys. The most important thing is that, regardless of the final result, I am proud that I dared to dream and that I tried to achieve that dream. May my story inspire others to never give up. May we be aware that, although our circumstances are difficult, there is always a way to overcome them.
My life story is impressive, but not because of the obstacles I have faced, but because of the way I have overcome them. I was not born with facilities, but I have learned to make the most of the opportunities that are presented to me. My cerebral palsy is not an impediment, but rather a motivation to defy all odds. E Humility is not about being inferior, but about recognizing our own abilities and being grateful for every opportunity that is presented to us. Today, I present myself to the world as someone who is not deterred by barriers. As someone who has found their passion and is determined to leave a mark. I was born with cerebral palsy, but that doesn't define me. I am more than my disability and, every day, I continue to break down the barriers that stand in my way.