For former Chile international Daniela Caram, International Women’s Day is inseparable from the idea of equity and inclusion in sport.
“Throughout my career, I’ve lived the transformative power of sport,” she says. “The more I study and apply its benefits, the more convinced I am of how deeply it can change lives.”
That belief now sits at the centre of her work — promoting hockey across diverse communities and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or ability, has the chance to participate.
From International Player to Inclusion Advocate
Daniela’s years as an international athlete shaped the leader she is today.
“Every match and training session was a lesson in resilience, teamwork and pushing limits,” she reflects. “That’s when I realised sport’s true power goes far beyond physical fitness — it builds character and breaks barriers.”
Her experiences exposed her to different systems and cultures of sport, reinforcing one conviction: if you want impact, you must lead from the front.
Today, as a PAHF Representative on the GEDI Committee and a potential 2025 IOC Gender Equality Champion, Daniela sees recognition not as a personal milestone, but as motivation.
“It’s an honour, but it’s also a spotlight on the work still needed to foster equal opportunities and create a truly inclusive sporting world.”
Building Hockey ID in Chile
In 2019, Daniela helped launch Hockey ID in Chile after noticing the lack of sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
What began as small demonstrations at festivals evolved — even through the challenges of COVID — into regular training sessions with just a handful of athletes and volunteers. Growth came slowly, built on trust from families and word of mouth.
One of the biggest barriers? Fear of the unknown.
“Clubs and federations often think inclusion is complicated or an extra workload,” Daniela explains. “But if you don’t get started, you’ll never reach the finish line.”
Her approach is simple and practical: start small, involve families, and focus on action over perfection.
A Historic Breakthrough
The Chile Hockey ID team reached a historic milestone by competing in the Special Olympics World Games and later the Latin American Games.
“It opened a door no one thought possible,” Daniela says. “It showed our athletes and families that anything is possible if we work for it.”
Beyond medals, the achievement shifted mindsets — in Chile and across the region. Federations began recognising inclusive sport as a powerful force for change. The door, she says, is now open for bigger progress.
Lessons in Belief
If there is one lesson Daniela has learned from Hockey ID athletes and their families, it is this: belief without limits.
“They give themselves fully into the process, always positive about what’s ahead,” she says. “They’ve taught me to value every small victory — because every step forward matters.”
A Call to Act
Through coaching, mentorship and programme development across the Americas, Daniela encourages National Associations to overcome hesitation and begin.
“Invite one athlete with intellectual disability to a training session. Don’t overcomplicate it. Inclusion isn’t about perfection — it’s about opening doors.”
As International Women’s Day 2026 approaches, Daniela Caram’s message is clear: equity in sport is not theoretical. It is built step by step — one programme, one family, one athlete at a time.
And when those doors open, entire communities move forward.
