Love of Sea and Sports in ALBANIA

I am a young girl from Albania. My name is Florida Tafa and I was born in Durres on 28 September 1991 to a very simple family. My parents own a small shop from which we earn our living. I have a 12-year-old brother who is also my best friend. We spend much time together playing games.             

My birthplace, Durres is one of the biggest cities in Albania (after the capital Tirana). It is a very nice city because it is by the Adriatic Sea and has a very warm climate. I love Durres very much especially during the summer when a lot of tourists from all over the country come and visit.

I have an intellectual disability and have difficulties speaking and hearing. My parents decided to take me to a special school with children that have the same problems as me.  Now, I can say that I made a lot progress especially in my physical ability.

Because I have been so near the sea, I learned to swim as a child. My favorite swimming styles are free style and backstroke. But swimming hasn`t been the only sport I am fond of. I also like basketball and volleyball which I have practiced and competed in the past years also because the Palace of Sport is near my house.

I usually spend my days going to school, helping my mother, playing on the computer with my brother and, of course, doing sports. 

Since 2004 I have been a member of Special Olympics Albania.  This has given me the possibility to compete not only in activities organized in Albania, but also abroad.  I remember as if it was yesterday the first trip I had abroad to Sarajevo with Special Olympics Albania in April 2004. It was the most unforgettable experience of my entire life.

After that, I participated in other National Games and International ones such as the Youth Games in Rome in 2006 and the World Games” in Shanghai in 2007. These experiences not only have given me a great satisfaction but also gave the possibility to make new friends from all over the world and to feel equal among them.  I won two gold medals and two silver ones during my swimming competitions and you can’ imagine the happiness I felt in those moments. I thank Special Olympics a lot for giving me the possibility to experience these moments which will be forever in my mind and heart.

Photo: Florida Tafa. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Albania

Florida Tafa