Inaugural ‘I Can Do It’ adaptive festival held in Cataño

Cataño Mayor Julio Alicea Vasallo and first lady Bethzaida Rodríguez Torres

By The Star Staff

In commemoration of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, the Municipality of Cataño on Saturday held the First “I Can Do It” Adaptive Festival, an initiative led by the municipality’s first lady, Bethzaida Rodríguez Torres, which brought together dozens of families on the waterfront to promote inclusion, equity and empowerment of people with the condition.

The event marked a milestone in the municipal agenda aimed toward a more accessible community that is responsive to the needs of all its citizens. Children, youth and adults participated in a variety of recreational, sports and cultural activities, all designed to highlight the abilities, talents and rights of people with Down syndrome.

Cataño Mayor Julio Alicea Vasallo emphasized that the festival represents the beginning of a sustained effort by the municipality to provide equal opportunities for its entire population.

“Today we demonstrate that inclusion is not an abstract concept, but a practice that begins in our communities,” he said. “We are proud of this first step.”

During the event, Recreation and Sports (DRD by its initials in Spanish) Secretary Héctor Vázquez Muñi joined the celebration and reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to creating accessible spaces.

“At the DRD, we reiterate our support for initiatives like this one, which promote a more inclusive Puerto Rico through recreation and sports,” he said.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed adaptive game stations, sports exhibitions, musical performances and educational activities, with the participation of community organizations, government agencies and volunteers committed to inclusion. The atmosphere was marked by excitement, solidarity and enthusiasm among participants and their families.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. In Puerto Rico, it is estimated that between 40 and 50 babies are born with this condition each year, and many families still face challenges related to accessing therapies, educational services and specialized medical care.