There may be times when we find ourselves in a difficult situation when we notice that somebody is in danger. We need to make a decision at that point whether we are going to help them or if we are going to stand by and hope that somebody else jumps in to help. In addition, there may also be times when it is more than somebody being in harm’s way; our helping them may put us at risk as well.
Very few of us are ever going to find ourselves in such a situation but when we do hear about it happening, it is often a very inspiring event. One such individual who was not willing to sit it out but stepped forward and did the right thing is Valerio Catonia. When you hear his story, it will inspire you to greater things.
Shortly after Valerio was born, his parents were informed that he had Down syndrome. As it turns out, it didn’t slow him down one bit. By the time he reached three years of age, he had joined a swimming club so that he could improve his stamina and strength.
It wasn’t long before he became an excellent swimmer.
Valerio went on to win a number of medals in swimming competitions. He also took a first aid course and that decision would be very important to 2 young girls.
As it turns out, Valerio ended up saving the lives of those two girls. One of them was 14 years old and the other one was 10.
It happened when Valerio was visiting the beach with his father and he heard those two young girls crying for help from the ocean. After locating them, he saw that they were trapped in a violent current. They were being pulled under and swept away from the beach.
Valerio didn’t hesitate. He knew that there was no time to wait for help from the first responders. He and his father swam out into the water and pulled them to safety. Valerio saved the 10-year-old by holding onto her neck and his father saved the older girl.
You really can’t help but be touched by what this young lad did. People everywhere are thrilled that he did the right thing. In fact, he even received a visit from the Italian Sports Minister to receive a medal.
This is more than a recognition for the hero, Valerio, it is a shout out to people with Down syndrome worldwide.
You can watch the moment that he is presented with his medal in this video: