Impacting the next generation

Feb. 25--Those who know Huntsville'sDiego Esquivel will tell you he lives to improve the lives of children in Walker County and beyond.

Whether it be helping Special Olympics Texas put together events, working behind the scenes and coaching the adaptive sports programs at the Huntsville Family YMCA or advocating for abused and neglected children in court through CASA of Walker, San Jacinto and Trinity Counties, Esquivel is there to serve young people in East Texas.

For his efforts, Esquivel has been named The Huntsville Item's Unsung Hero of the Year for 2017.

"The main reason why I do it is because I think we have a responsibility to give back and that's really where it starts, with our kids," Esquivel said. "They're the ones who are going to be taking care of everything in the future. We have some sad things happening (in the country) now. It could be worse if we didn't try to guide and provide some direction for children."

Esquivel became familiar with the Special Olympics when he was tasked with raising funds for its events as a captain in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice 17 years ago.

The passion and care for others that the athletes and organizers displayed during the first Special Olympics event Esquivel attended inspired him to get more involved.

"One thing that you don't find in dealing with the adaptive sports and the Special Olympics is selfishness," Esquivel said. "They love each other and have a great time. When they talk about it, it doesn't matter if they win or lose. It really doesn't. Those athletes are just happy to be involved."

Now, Esquivel serves as Special Olympics Texas' support service director. He coordinates the medical and law enforcement teams that are required at events and supervises the equipment teams that set up venues.

Esquivel performs these duties during three state-level competitions each year -- the Fall Classic, Summer Games and Winter Games -- as well as the area-level Spring Games and some local track and field meets.

Esquivel has also been heavily involved with the local YMCA for the past 15 years, doing everything from mowing the fields the organization uses, to plumbing, cooking for special events and coaching teams in the adaptive sports programs.

Even after working with special-needs athletes for nearly two decades, Esquivel said he is still consistently amazed by their abilities.

"They want to do things that other kids are doing. That's what we try to do, to get them to where they can do what the mainstream kids are doing," Esquivel said. "Yes, they have special needs, but they are capable of doing more than what a lot of people think. That's the satisfaction that I get, watching them accomplish the things they accomplish even when people think they can't."

Esquivel volunteered for CASA of Walker, San Jacinto and Trinity Counties for six years as well, up until 2014, serving as the president on the organization's board of directors for a portion of that time.

Nominating Esquivel for Unsung Hero of the Year was a no-brainer for those who have worked closely with this caring man.

"He is the unsung hero behind the scene of many organizations," Sandra Clifton said of Esquivel. "Making a difference in the lives of children has always had a special place in his heart. Serving as an advocate for CASA, and then as president of the board, he was passionate about the safety of children.

"For many years, there was not a YMCA event he wasn't working," Clifton added. "From mowing the grass, to the Great Muddy Escape, to cooking hot dogs for a hundred (kids) at YMCA sports, he never said no to a good cause. But Special Olympics is his organization of choice to volunteer. Seeing Huntsville athletes inspired to attend the state games brings (him) great pride."

Marjean Creager added, "I cannot think of a more deserving hero (to be) sung out loud. Diego has personally been there for so many, especially my family, in times of need. (He goes) beyond the call of duty, helping kids feel safe and certain of his help.

"His dedication to the disabled, the Huntsville Family YMCA and Special Olympics is outstanding. These have been my connections to Diego. I'm sure there are many, many more given his character and integrity."

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