High-performance sport once again finds its place in the classrooms of Mirasur School. Helena Delgado, a Year 10 student (4th year of ESO), has been selected to take part in the Spanish National Handball Team’s technical training camp, which will be held at the High Performance Centre (CAR) in Granada from 30 January to 6 February.

Helena currently competes in the female cadet team of Club Egido Balonmano Pinto. Her sporting career includes significant national achievements, among them winning the 2024 Spanish Beach Handball Cup, as well as several podium finishes in national championships in both indoor and beach handball.

“It was very special,” Helena recalls when talking about the moment she received the news of her selection. “My coach, María Aliranguz, told me during the warm-up. We all celebrated together, and it was a really beautiful moment.”

The call-up was also a very emotional moment for her family. “I was a bit in shock, because I had never thought something like this could happen to me. I immediately called my sister and my parents. At home they were all incredibly proud; my grandmother and my mum cried,” she says with a smile.

A Team Player

Helena began her handball journey in Year 6 of Primary School, after previously being part of Mirasur’s swimming team. “I wanted to try a team sport and a friend encouraged me to try handball. From the very first training session, I felt very welcomed and realised I could really enjoy it. Little by little I improved, and here I still am,” she explains.

For her, the best thing about handball is that it is a team sport. “What I enjoy most is the positive atmosphere and teamwork. Swimming was much more individual; here we are always together. We support each other in good times and bad.”

Beyond sport itself, Helena highlights the values handball has given her.. “It has taught me respect, how to be a better teammate and how to relate better to others. It has also helped me find balance in my life: nutrition, rest and friendships,” says the young student. says the young student.

A Unique Opportunity

Regarding her selection for the CAR in Granada, Helena keeps her feet firmly on the ground. Of all the players taking part, only 15 will eventually be chosen to join the national team that will compete in an international tournament in Kosovo. “I know it’s very difficult to be selected, but I don’t feel better or worse than anyone else. Just being called up by the Spanish national team is already an enormous source of pride,” she states.

Helena’s season with her club, alongside her teammates, has been outstanding. With a record of ten wins and just one draw, the team currently leads the Cadet First Division. Undoubtedly, Helena’s strong performances have not gone unnoticed by the Handball Federation, which has rewarded her dedication with this training camp call-up.

Never Give Up

Balancing training sessions, matches and academic work is not always easy. “I’m not particularly organised, so I really have to make an effort,” she admits with a laugh. “I don’t have much free time, so I try to manage myself as well as I can, but the truth is that I’ve always been able to enjoy everything: my family, my friends and school.”

At Mirasur School, Helena receives constant support from her classmates — especially her friends Patricia and Natalia — as well as from her teachers. “They always encourage me, trust me and are genuinely happy about my achievements,” she explains. This support gives her confidence and motivates her to keep going. “I don’t know how far I’ll go, but I want to stay in this sport for many years. I want to keep playing for as long as I can,” she assures.

For Helena, believing means achieving. “If I had to send a message to my classmates, it would be this: never give up. If it doesn’t work the first time, it will work the second or the third. You always have to try and never say ‘I can’t’. Being positive, in sport and in life, changes everything.”

“Helena’s journey is an example of effort, perseverance and balance between academic and personal development. Seeing our students grow, overcome challenges and reach such important milestones is a source of great pride for our school,” said Pedro Sampedro, Head of Mirasur School, regarding Helena’s sporting achievement. Congratulations are also extended by the entire Mirasur educational community.