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Latvia - Raman Mytrasanov

Athlete Raman Mytrasanov from Latvia was abandoned as a child. Special Olympics have become his family.

Special Olympics is my Family
My name is Raman Mytrasanov. I am 18 and I compete in Special Olympics Latvia.

When I was four I realized I was all alone. I did not have a mum, dad, grandparents, sisters or brothers. At the children’s home where I live there were teachers and care-givers but still I did not have the love of parents. When I asked about my parents no one would tell me what happened, would tell me that I had been abandoned in a hospital. At the children's home I listened to fairy tales and it was then that I missed my parents. I knew that although I was only a child, I would have to take care of myself.

I started sports when I joined Sveki special boarding school. I liked all sports and they came easily to me. Team sports are my favourite; football in particular. Our sport teacher Aigars Lasis became our football coach. I train a lot and I compete in Latvia and abroad. As a Special Olympics Latvia athlete, I took part in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games and the 2008 Special Olympics European Football Cup.

I will never ever forget these events.