Warm greetings from a fellow American, who daily petitions the Lord in your behalf. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about my friend, fellow worker, and fellow brother in Christ, Mabio Costa. Mabio has done something extraordinarily that made many of us very proud of him. This good man has inspired those who know him and I believe Mabio is a wonderful example of the many noble ideals America stands for. Mabio has become the World Champion of Triathlon, recently held in Madeira, Portugal. Although we are very proud of his achievement, it’s the process of how Mabio became world champion that has inspired us. Let me tell you a little bit about my friend.
Mabio was born without the lower left portion of his left leg. But that didn’t stop him. In his native Brazil, Mabio participated in many Triathlon competitions and attained much success and respect from fellow athletes before emigrating to the U.S. in 1990. In the U.S., Mabio worked hard to attain his dream. In 1996, representing Brazil, Mabio became the World Champion, while working very hard at athletics and also holding a full-time job. But Mabio didn’t want to stop there.
I met Mabio about 4 months ago. We are both employed by the same company and work at the same department. During that time, Mabio not only worked a 10-hour schedule, but he also trained for the world championship on his spare time. It was very hard on him, Mr. President. For most of the time, Mabio was worn out physically. He needed to work full-time, because Mabio did not have a corporate sponsor. Only less than a month before his competition, did Mabio get a partial sponsorship from our company. Then, two weeks before the competition, Mabio got very sick and had to interrupt his physical training. But he stuck to it. He didn’t give up his dream. With a lot of sacrifice, faith, and hard work, Mabio finally departed to Madeira to pursue his dream. Here, Mr. President, is where Mabio’s love for America shines through. Despite having represented Brazil on former competitions, and being a Brazilian citizen, Mabio broke rank and ran under the colors of the U.S.A. Mabio went to Madeira as a member of the United States team, becaming the first brazilian Disabled to represent the USA Triathlon Team. When asked about his decision to represent America, Mabio stated from the heart that the reason that he was representing America is his way of saying thanks to America for all the blessings he has enjoyed ever since coming to America. When Mabio crossed the finish line, he reached the America flag he was carrying tucked in his back, and proudly waved it as he fulfilled yet another milestone in life. I asked him how he felt when he got the gold medal. He stated that it was wonderful. But Mabio told me that the moment that his heart raced and he felt utter excitement was when at the sight of the finish line, he reached for the American flag and watched it unfurl before the eyes of those assembled.
Sir, Mabio’s representing America will cost Mabio a lot of prestige in his native Brazil. Many have and will see him as less than honorable, partly because of the anti-American sentiment in that country. But Mabio told me that he really doesn’t care about what they think of him. He believes from the heart that he did the right thing, and I agree.
I believe that Mabio is a great example of what America is truly all about. His is a story of honor, moral courage, and sacrifice, and ultimately, success. In this time when many are cynical about America and Americans, Mabio is a breath of fresh air. His life and achievement reminds us that we, as Americans, are a people of honor, sacrifice, and willing to face the many challenges presented before us.
Thank you Mr. President for this opportunity to share Mabio’s story with you. I also want to thank you for your hard work, and moral courage in doing what is right for our beloved country. I leave you now wishing you and your family the best of God’s blessings as you serve this great land of ours.
Sincerely,
Ubirathan Admiel Miranda
Proud American Citizen