Professional development and personal growth: Abilympics competitor stories
The Abilympics skills competition offers competitors valuable experiences that support both professional development and personal growth. Discover the inspiring experiences of those who have competed before.
Wivan Atrila: Cleaning Services, Competitor, Abilympics Metz 2023
For Wivan Atrila, competing in the Abilympics for the first time was an unforgettable experience. Even without a medal, she considers participation itself a victory, and she made new friends and connections.
Preparing for the competition helped Wivan grow both personally and professionally. She surpassed herself in how the competition went and was able to perform well at the competition venue and do her best.
Wivan encourages everyone to trust themselves and take the step towards applying and participating. She believes that, for instance, discussing the competition opportunity with a representative of the sending organisation or a teacher can open the door to a remarkable international experience.
Sylvaine Agator: Floral Art, Gold Medalist, Abilympics Metz 2023
Sylvaine Agator won the gold medal in floral art at Abilympics 2023. The experience changed her both personally and professionally: she learned to manage stress, organise herself more rigorously, and see everyday life differently. She remains grateful to the French team and to those who supported her.
She particularly remembers three moments: the adrenaline at the start of the competition, the support she felt at the end, and the emotional closing ceremony. Receiving the medal was overwhelming, especially sharing the moment with her loved ones.
As a floral art teacher, the Abilympics has enriched her teaching and strengthened her commitment to helping students and future competitors grow.
Do not be afraid – everything will benefit you. Stay true to yourself and surround yourself with kind, supportive people,” Sylvaine encourages.
Milla Tiira: Outdoor Photography, Silver Medalist, Abilympics Metz 2023
For Milla Tiira, the competition was both exciting and new, and nerves ultimately helped her perform better. She credits her national team for making the experience fantastic.
Milla learned to cope under pressure, solve problems quickly within short competition times and developed her social skills through group interaction.
Her favourite moment was the competition itself – finally getting to perform after all the training. Milla also values the strong team spirit and encourages others to join the Abilympics for its unique professional and personal experiences.
Saga Naumanen: Character Design, Gold Medalist, Abilympics Metz 2023
For Saga Naumanen, the Abilympics was an extremely positive experience that boosted her selfconfidence. She gained once in a lifetime experiences and new friends, and feels grateful for the opportunity.
Saga hopes that other professionals and young people will also have the courage to try something new.
Her key lesson is clear: pursue what you want and take opportunities as they come. It is better to try and fail than spend life wondering what could have been.
