Paralyzed swimmer inspires other disabled kids to chase dreams

MANILA, Philippines – Through her example, Calistha Jillianne R. Salazar encourages every child with disability to pursue their dreams of being an athlete despite the long odds they face.

Despite being born with Spina bifida, Salazar, 9, conveyed no hesitation as she descended from her small wheelchair to swim at the Rizal Memorial Pool in Manila in front of a large audience. Her poise betrayed no signs of a lack of confidence in her abilities.

“We are very happy to see her swim in front of many people and we’re so thankful to God for the blessings he gave our daughter,” Jillianne’s father Elvin, who currently works as a Seaman, tells Rappler.com.

“We raised her like a normal child with confidence. The good thing is she’s very smart and diligent, so that’s why raising her isn’t hard for us. She really wanted to be a model for every disabled child. She’s not bothered by her disability. She is very positive,” he added.    

Spina bifida is a condition of the lower spinal cord that causes paralysis of the legs from birth. It is considered one of the most common birth defects with a worldwide incidence of about one in every 1000. 

Two weeks ago, Jilliane stole the limelight from the other competitors in the 52nd Philippine Swimming League Leg Series’ The Manila Times College (TMTC) Swimming Championship.

She swam in the 50-meter breastroke event and finished with a best time of 2:21.13 to capture the gold medal and received P5,000 in cash incentives from PSL legal adviser Atty. Luz Arzaga-Mendoza.

“She can’t walk ever since but she inspires everyone not to lose hope and pursue every dream they have,” said PSL President Susan Papa during the annual swimming event that attracted 500 participants from 61 clubs all over the country.

Jillianne was accompanied by her father, mother Elma Salazar and 12-year-old brother Lance during the special event of the competition.

If her plans push through, Jilliane could become a member of the country’s paralympic team in the future.

“There is no plan yet if she can join the swimming ‘para’ games team because she’s still very young and this is the second time she [has] competed in a swimming tournament,” added by Jilliane’s father. “We are just hoping she develops well in swimming despite her situation.

“But who knows? If that’s God’s will, then so be it. We are so thankful to the PSL for giving our daughter a chance to swim in their tournament.”

Jillianne, a third grader who studies at Governor Hills Science School in General Trias Cavite, began swimming last June 2013 for her therapy, but swimming instructor Junnet Abesamis advised her parents to allow their daughter to join competitions.

“I told her (Jilliane) parents why not allow her to swim in different competitions? That will be a good exposure to her to build up her confidence,” said Abesamis in a separate interview. “She is also a member of the Department of Education team in Cavite.” – Rappler.com