Daniela Zapata Lillo knows all about goals. After all, she's been practicing basketball for eight years and dancing for fifteen . Originally from Santiago, Chile, she's convinced that a wheelchair won't stop her and never will.
In fact, both activities are great passions for her.
"I chose basketball because it was the only sport I could do with my work schedule. I'd never touched a ball in my life until I started training."
Daniela is a two-time world Latin rhythm champion and current South American champion. Dancing is one of her greatest joys.
“I feel like it found me! I was invited to participate in a wheelchair dance project, and without any prior knowledge, I tried it out. I loved it, and from then on, I never stopped! ”
Disability, inclusion and sport
For this 33-year-old woman, it hasn't been easy. "The process is still difficult to this day. We lack a lot of national support and accessible facilities to consistently carry out our training," she stated in an interview with Julieta Machuca, Public Relations at Theramart.
The political and financial issue is also a challenge.
"There's a lack of economic support from private companies and the state, and a commitment to developing athletes (which is ultimately an investment for the country).
But it often happens that support is only given to those who have achieved results, but not to those who want to start and need even more motivation, guidance, and support.”
And in the case of the activities she engages in, very specific conditions are required. For example, Daniela needs a good chair, one that's lightweight and allows for complete mobility without much effort.
We talk about inclusion with Ángela Fabre , a communicator advocating for equal rights for people with disabilities.
Improve quality of life and make sports performance more comfortable
Along with optimal performance, Daniela also finds it essential to have quality cushions and supports that are durable and do not cause skin damage, either long or short term.
At Theramart, we also know this, which is why we sent Daniela ergonomic products and accessories specifically for wheelchair users, to offer her comfort and stability during her sports activities.
This is how the athlete received Theragel Pillows for a cooler sleep. They provide cervical relief and perfect ergonomics for your neck and shoulders.
She also received a Theramed Anti-Decubitus Seat Cushion with a non-slip base, which relieves friction and pressure on the most sensitive areas when sitting for long periods of time or staying in the same position.
Discover Theramart's 4 coolest pillows , a new sensation of freshness during your daily rest.
Daniela Zapata, more than 20,000 followers on Instagram
Daniela often shares her daily life on one of her favorite platforms: social media . On Instagram alone, she already has more than 20,000 followers, with whom she shares tips, exercises, and her passion for living.
“I love posting my things, my progress, and my way of being in a very authentic and transparent way,” she says.
In fact, he says that the responses from his followers have been very positive overall.
“I believe I have formed a community that supports, encourages, advises, and, above all, accompanies each other… even more so in times like these, when we need to be heard more than ever .”
3 life tips that Daniela leaves us all
- Respect your time. “We all want to reach a goal, but everyone's goals are different. Don't torment yourself over how long it takes, how difficult it is, or even if people call us crazy! If it's our dream, we have to make it happen.”
- Adapt the dream or goal to our possibilities. "I may not be able to live in a palace in London, as much as that's my dream. But I can build my palace and put a little bit of London in it."
- Enjoy every process, no matter how painful and difficult it may be. "Even if it sounds 'typical,' the satisfaction is much greater, because no one knows how much you went through to achieve it but us."
Without a doubt, her achievements are the result of hard work, discipline, and a secret now revealed: "Something that helps me a lot is my stomach. If I feel that tingling and a little scared when I want to do something, I do it! Because my stomach never makes mistakes."
