Figure skater Marks Vanags finishes 4th at Special Olympics event after losing his mother in Nepal

Marks Vanags, a 14-year-old Latvian figure skater with autism whose mother was among those missing in Nepal, competed at an international Special Olympics tournament in Slovakia and finished 4th. Special Olympics is a sports programme for people with intellectual disabilities. The result was reported by the community Zaļā lampa (Green Lamp) on its Facebook page.

A trip made possible by donors

Marks travelled as part of the Latvian team and represented the club Twizzle. The team was led by coach Olga Ņečajeva. Travel and accommodation costs were covered by funds that supporters of the charity project Zaļā lampa raised in a donation campaign.

Since the tragedy in Nepal, the boy has lived with his younger brother Roberts at their grandmother Ludmila's home. The family is struggling both emotionally and financially. The grandmother thanked everyone who helped.

The competition

Marks has trained in figure skating under Ņečajeva for several years and has taken part in many international Special Olympics tournaments, bringing home medals and diplomas. Previously his mother Olga always accompanied him to competitions.

In Slovakia the boy had prepared a special programme. According to his coach, he skated skilfully, performed difficult elements and was not intimidated by competing against older and more experienced athletes in a group with strong rivals.

The grandmother said other parents were responsive and many came to hug Marks. In her words, he went onto the ice with a smile and did not lose confidence. The family has a tradition of celebrating Marks's achievements, so the three of them went to a café after the competition, where Marks thanked his brother and grandmother for their support.

The trip and meeting young people from different countries gave Marks considerable emotional support.