The ‘Rememos con Todo’ project can be summarized in one word: sharing. We refer to the broad sense of values it encompasses, including equality, respect, and integration. It’s no coincidence that these are the same values driving the Direct Aid Program (DAP) of the Australian Embassy. That’s why, in 2019, this project was selected to receive DAP funding to contribute to improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations in Peru and/or Bolivia.

César Lengua, the project leader, reveals that “the sea and boats have been very present in my life for as long as I can remember.” However, it wasn’t until 2016 that he had his first contact with the va’a sport, performed in a Polynesian canoe, and he liked it so much that he began training until representing Peru in a South American competition. “Va’a is a sport that brings together all the characteristics I was looking for in the project,” adds César, “it creates a strong sense of community and identity among its members.” This inspired him to explore its benefits further, leading to the idea of creating a technological social innovation project aimed at people with disabilities.

César found in the sea a source of opportunities for individuals with lower motor disabilities to engage in water sports, whether as recreational therapy or even competitively. Initiatives like these make the simulator and the sport itself accessible to people with different types of disabilities, including upper motor disabilities, visual impairments, or Down syndrome. Recent research has shown that practicing va’a or canoeing, in general, has very positive effects, such as preventing lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. This is why ‘Rememos con Todos’ has now extended its reach to breast cancer survivors.

With the support of the Australian Embassy’s DAP program, an inclusive sports program for parava’a has been successfully launched, organizing more than 30 group activities on the beach and at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, in addition to three national championships. The latest event took place on October 28 as part of the Pink October to raise awareness about breast cancer, and as a closing activity for the Sea of Stories campaign, celebrating the 60 years of diplomatic relations between Peru and Australia.

“When we saw more than 80 people gathered on the beach, full of joy with their paddles and ready to enter the sea, we experienced an extremely inspiring moment. It was a day that brought together sports enthusiasts, a community of rowers, and women breast cancer survivors,” exclaimed Ambassador Maree Ringland with enthusiasm. Just this year, more than 6 cancer survivors and over 25 people with disabilities have benefited from the ‘Rememos con Todo’ project. On that day, we also had the presence of our sponsor, BHP, who once again joined us, reaffirming their commitment to women’s empowerment.

Aware that there is still much to paddle, Peru and Australia are united by a sea of hope in their continuous effort to create opportunities through sports for the empowerment and inclusion of people with disabilities.