A Talent on and off the field

For the past five years, Gabriel Pérez has been part of the Real Estate team at Prosegur's headquarters in Madrid. She came to the company through the Labour Inclusion Plan for People with Intellectual Disabilities that we promote from the Foundation, and since then she has not stopped growing either as a professional or as a person. But there is another space where it also shines: the basketball court. Together with his ADISLI Raptors team, he has won the bronze medal in the Spanish Championship organized by the Spanish Federation of Sports for People with Intellectual Disabilities (FEDDI).

For him, basketball is not just a sport. It is their place, their therapy and their way of connecting with others. In this interview for Prosegur's Global Comprehensive Wellbeing Program, PRO360, he shares with us how he has evolved in the company and how basketball has become an essential part of his life.

It has been incredible. We participated in the Spanish FEDDI Championship in Girona. We represented the Community of Madrid and we won third place. It was exciting. I especially remember a decisive match: we were tied and there was little time left. I took a free kick... and he entered. That basket qualified us for everything we experienced later. I won't forget it. I felt that all the effort, the training, the doubts, had been worth it.

Basketball has always been present. My father was the one who introduced me to this sport. Every weekend, I would accompany him to play basketball games. I have great memories because it meant a moment alone with my father.
At school I didn't take off the ball or the court. But it was in adolescence when basketball took on a new meaning. When I joined ADISLI, the Association for the Care of People with Intellectual Disabilities, I wanted to be part of their basketball team, but my parents flatly refused. They were afraid that my heart problems might put me at risk. I understood the situation and the medical recommendations, but when you are 15 years old and have a passion, everything seems like an irremediable problem. It was very hard.
 

Fortunately. After several operations and medical check-ups, the doctors finally gave me the go-ahead. Starting to train was a very special moment. I don't play in professional leagues. The demands of a professional athlete are very high. But that does not prevent him from living it with the same passion. It's my way of channeling everything: emotions, energy, desire to improve myself.

Totally. On the court we are all the same. It doesn't matter if you have a disability or not, what counts is respect, commitment and teamwork. Sometimes I see people who have all the capabilities to do sports and don't do it. It's not about competing or winning, it's about being good about yourself, about feeling part of something. Sport has helped me to value myself and find my place.

When I started, it was clear to me that I wanted to give my best. It was my first stable job and, although it was difficult for me at first, little by little I found my place. I started with simple tasks, and today I already participate in the organization of events, review of spaces and logistical support. I try to contribute as much as I can. I am very grateful for the trust they have placed in me. Working here has taught me to be more responsible, to collaborate, to trust myself more.

In the immediate term, we have the final of the FEMADDI Cup in June. We train hard and we are confident of doing a good job. In the long term, I want to keep improving, enjoy what I do and show that there are no limits when you have the will. If with my story I can encourage someone else to try, not to give up, I will have already fulfilled a very important goal. In the end, that's what it's all about: inspiring with what you do.

At the Prosegur Foundation, we celebrate his example and we feel fortunate to have him on our team. Congratulations, Gabi!