Costa Rica Sports/Surfing – A blind surfer, Henry Martinez, competed with a board donated to him by veteran surfers and fans.
He became the first winner of the national championship in the integrated National Surfing Circuit.
The Costa Rican surfing community brought him to tears. He was trembling at the excitement of receiving two surfboards in order to be able to compete. He said there are no words to thank all those involved. He also indicated that these gifts motivate him to give his best.
The initiative to raise money to buy a board was by El Silencio, a veteran surfer group. The second board is meant to train with. It was donated by businessmen Win Van Cleynenbreugel, José Ureña and Roberto Castillo.
Henry lost his sight at age two due to a degenerative disease. He surfs by following indications of his coach Maikel Venegas. He has won the love and respect of many surfing fans for his effort, dedication and charisma. He took seventh place last year in the Adapted Surfing World Championship in California.
When he’s not surfing, he studies biology at the University of Costa Rica.
