- Sixto Barrera carries Peru’s flag during Opening Ceremonies, Beijing Summer Olympic Games, August 2008
The wrestler was decorated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for setting an inspirational example for young people.
“I am very grateful for the people who supported me and made possible my participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics,” said Barrera after receiving the distinction by the representative of UNESCO in Peru, Katherine Muller.
- Peru’s “first guitarist,” Oscar Aviles (now 83 years old)
The athlete also was congratulated by the renowned Peruvian Criolla musician Oscar Aviles, who highlighted the efforts of the young man who, despite not having received the full financial support he deserved, fulfilled his dream of competing in the Olympics.
Peru has been a member of UNESCO since 1946 and is active in UNESCO initiatives for education and preservation of cultural sites. The 1993 Peru Constitution recognizes children’s right to education and makes it mandatory for children to attend school until age 16. UNESCO considers Peru in the “intermediate” stage of achieving this goal, says the organization’s web site.
Barrera, who became a world-class wrestler despite having grown up in economically deprived conditions, is an example of someone who achieved great things as a result of hard work, discipline and commitment to education. These values resonate with UNESCO ideals.
Barrera credits his faith in San Martin de Porres as having sustained his long climb to the Olympic wrestling mat.
Barrera carried Peru’s flag in the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympic Games and was one of Peru’s foremost hopes for a medal.
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Peruanista // Sep 4, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Oh, Barbara this news made my day! I am a fan of Sixto Barrera, a true hero. Did you see my Youtube video honoring him?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hANlfWJliyY
Because of that video, Sixto and I became online buddies. He contacted me to thank me and I was talking with him the night he lost, he was terribly sad.
With this news, I hope the Peruvian government will increase its support on Sixto’s career towards London 2012.
2 Barb // Sep 6, 2008 at 10:11 am
Your video is a fine tribute, Carlos. No wonder it opened the door to a friendship with Sixto. Please tell him, the next time you talk to/email him, that An American inLima is a big fan of his, and that he’s got many supporters in the United States and Canada as well. You won’t believe how many hits per day my website gets from people doing a Google search for “Sixto Barrera,” even weeks after the Olympics.
Yes, the Peruvian government needs to get with it and start putting money into supporting programs for future Olympians.
The private sector should contribute too; many of the foreign companies that are making money in Peru have the resources to sponsor individual athletes or teams.