Unveiling Inclusion and Breaking Stereotypes:
‘Informe 11: las historias,’ a prominent Costa Rican television program, earned a prestigious journalism award—Jorge Vargas Gené-Óscar Cordero Rojas—from the College of Journalists and Professionals in Collective Communication Sciences of Costa Rica. The award lauded their inclusive segment, ‘El corazón de Ary,’ hosted by Ariel “Ary” Chinchilla, a young man with Down syndrome.
A Season of Inspirational Narratives:
Airing between March and June of 2023, this seasonal segment featured Ary Chinchilla presenting various inspiring stories of people with disabilities, who are also members of the Costa Rican Special Olympics team. The stories included profiles of trailblazers like Adriana Molina, a first-time equestrian participant, and Maribel Solís, a senior athlete, among others.
Ary’s Journey: From Intern to Award-winning Presenter:
In an interview with La Nación, 31-year-old Ary expressed how meaningful the recognition was. A cybersecurity worker at IBM and a long-time Special Olympics participant in tennis, Ary had initially interned with ‘Informe 11’ at age 17 before seizing this hosting opportunity. “This award signifies the achievement of a goal and a dream, thanks to inclusive work,” Ary emphasized.
The Voices Behind the Vision:
Journalist Mario Alfaro, who alongside Ary Chinchilla and producer Frederick Fallas, made this project come to life. Alfaro hailed the segment as a proud achievement and a big win for inclusivity, particularly for those who are seldom represented in mainstream media.
Global Messenger & Local Hero:
Known for giving talks worldwide, Ary also shared behind-the-scenes tidbits about the Special Olympics for ‘Informe 11,’ whose team was in Berlin, Germany for the June 2023 competitions. Ary himself is no stranger to the public eye and is a designated global messenger for Special Olympics.
The Road Ahead:
Producer Frederick Fallas stated that the award for this inclusive initiative made them feel “happy, satisfied, and honored.” The show aims to continue innovating and offering compelling content for viewers, with Ary remaining in their future plans.
