RITA

@rita_pa

'Giving up is not an option'. We are delighted to introduce you to Rita Pauperio, one of our incredible FOHER Ambassadors. Rita lives and breathes triathlon in Portugal, and is incredibly passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle (which she does beautifully through her instagram account), and supporting women to achieving great things in their sport and inspiring them to conquer their dreams. Rita has had to overcome incredible personal adversity on her own journey, and, in her own words, admitted it was difficult to share her story because of the pain and memories involved. We are very pleased she did, as it is her hope that her story will transmit hope, courage and inspirateion for all the women that, for one reason or another, feel disabled or diminished.

We are behind you all the way Rita, and are honoured to have you as an Ambassador.

'Hello, I am Rita, a 35 years old designer and dreamer from Portugal. I don't know quite well how to define myself as I see my life as an open narrative, but resiliency is a well known word and I praise it very much. I don't take things for granted and life taught me this the hardest way.

I have always led an active life with a strong affection for sports but triathlon is a recent passion. I come from a ballet and contemporary dance background and these will be in my heart and body forever. Who once dances from the heart, dances for life

 

I was 26 when I was diagnosed with a stage 3 colon cancer and my life just turned upside down in the blink of an eye. You are never expecting that kind of news. It felt like an endless nightmare, but in that second I knew what it was truly important and what it was not. I realized that I have the best people around me and that love can really make the difference. My family and friends were my support and strength. I had to convince my soul and spirit that the only thing that was up to me – to keep myself positive – I just had to do. I know that it may sound simple but it was the hardest thing I have ever endured in my life. I guess that without these struggles I wouldn’t have found my strength.

 

 

 

etc etc etc