Sports and Team Provide Support and Comfort in LATVIA

Grigorij Botin, 19, is a Special Olympics athlete from Latvia. He lives in Vilaka, Balvi Region. Botin was born into a family with eight children. He has five sisters and two brothers. He had a very difficult beginning in life because his family was struggling with many problems.

Botin was taken into care at the age of three and lived in a boarding school.  He had health problems; his communication skills were poor and he had difficulties learning.  He was placed in a special needs classroom.
  Then, at the age of 10, Botin  discovered sports – and football in particular.  Not only did he become physically stronger and more coordinated but he found comfort and support from being part of a team.  Botin began to communicate more, his self confidence grew and he started to do better in school.  He was a new person!  His big dream is to play for the hometown football team who he follows with a passion. Those who know Botin – his teammates, schoolmates and teachers are happy to have this young man in their lives.

Photo: Grigorij Botin holding a team trophy. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Latvia

Grigorij Botin