ICOACHKIDS Champion: Manuel Argel
About
Manuel Argel is a coach at Special Olympics Chile. He is a Physical Education teacher with a major in Inclusive Education, and he has complemented his training with studies and specializations focused on working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, covering all stages of life: childhood, adolescence and adulthood. For more than five years, Manuel has been actively participating in different initiatives of Special Olympics Chile, where he collaborates in the design and execution of inclusive programs in various disciplines such as futsal, swimming, bocce ball and especially karate. He is also the creator and responsible for an inclusive karate program aimed at people with and without disabilities, which promotes participation, the development of physical and social skills, and respect for individual abilities.
Manuel’s Story
Origin of my vocation
My journey in sports training began in my childhood, in a small and remote commune where access to formal physical activity was very limited. In that environment I discovered the value of sport as a way to share, grow and strengthen ties with others. In the absence of instructors, I naturally took on the role of teaching my classmates what I learned in a self-taught way.
Since then, two great convictions were born in me: to become a sports teacher and to provide a social contribution to boys and girls without access to sports, especially in contact disciplines such as karate, where it is often required to pay to participate. That was my first impulse towards teaching and social sports.
Encounter with disability and personal transformation
An unexpected experience marked a turning point in my life: disability. Something that I previously considered distant became a close reality that completely transformed my purpose. From that moment on, I decided to dedicate myself in a committed way to teaching children and young people with disabilities, motivated by the conviction that everyone has the right to grow, develop and be happy through sport. What began as a challenge became a passion and a personal legacy that drives me, to this day, to constantly improve myself to give the best of myself to each participant.
Pedagogical and philosophical approach
My commitment as an educator and coach is based on:
Always put the child at the centre of the learning process.
Promote real inclusion, adapting sport to each person.
Always look for creative alternatives to make activities safe, playful, and meaningful.
Promote a love of sport, beyond performance.
Develop skills, but always from an approach that respects what each person can and wants to do.
Involve families, making them essential allies in the process.
Innovate and study permanently, evaluating methodologies and improving the experience of the participants.
Impact on participants
My way of teaching seeks to motivate from empathy, respect and enthusiasm. I deeply love karate and believe in its physical, emotional, and social benefits. This passion allows me to connect with each participant and guide them with a positive and constructive mindset.
Some aspects that stand out in my work with athletes are:
In-depth knowledge of the sport and its integral value.
Ability to motivate, focusing on what they can do.
Training in discipline and sports resilience.
Constant promotion of good conduct and values.
Clear, close and empathetic communication, generating an environment of trust and mutual respect.
Contribution to Special Olympics Chile
My participation in Special Olympics has been a profoundly transformative experience. As a coach, I have aligned myself with their mission, vision and philosophy, focusing my work on developing positive skills and attitudes in each athlete. I bring enthusiasm, commitment and leadership. I strive to highlight the best in each person in every training, competition or recreational instance. Beyond being a teacher, I consider myself a mentor, a companion and a reference for other coaches who seek an inclusive, meaningful and transformative practice of sport.
Manuel’s Top Tips for Youth Sport Coaches:
Love what you do, or you might thwart hopes that are just beginning.
Be committed, because people trust you to grow.
Be a leader before an instructor, because your example inspires.
Focus on the process, not just the results, because the real achievement is in human development.
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