Daniela Arley may not be a star athlete, but she will represent Costa Rica in the Summer Olympics in Beijing.
The 16-year-old student at San LorenzoHigh School in San Pedro won a McDonald’ssponsored contest to serve as an official correspondent for the world games this August.
“I love everything to do with communication,” said the aspiring journalist.
As the Costa Rican winner of the contest called “Olympic Games? I’m there,” Arley will join 14 other students from Latin America as they provide daily reports on the performance of their national athletes, take part in the awards ceremony and live among Olympic athletes.
All contestants wrote an essay, and finalists were selected to answer questions about the Olympic Games before a panel of judges at the Cultural Ministry Auditorium in late June.
Arley was chosen for her ability to express herself clearly and for her knowledge of the Olympics.
The teen will spend five days in China as a McDonald’s correspondent. Her school will also receive $1,500 to purchase sports equipment.
McDonald’s sponsored the contest to “encourage sports activities among youth and recognized the talent of Costa Rican students,” according to a company press release.
Arley acknowledged she is more of a musician than an athlete. Nevertheless, she looks forward to learning from the Olympic athletes and about Chinese culture.
The Cartago resident has one problem though. “What worries me a lot is the language.”
Arley does not speak any Mandarin, but can get by in English.
As to whether any of her fellow Ticos will win gold: “Of course,” Arley said. “We hope so.”
