Cristian Lira

Cristian Lira began his journey with Angel City Sports at the 2021 Angel City Games just two months after amputation and recovering from a hit-and-run car accident that occurred in 2020. His prosthetist at the time, John Narmontas, handed him a Games flyer and told him “Just go!” John’s encouragement provided Cristian with the motivation to attend.

On the last day of the Games, Cristian walked onto the LA High School field and was greeted by Camille Mahlknecht and the Frech Family with a smile and a hug. Soon after, Cristian jumped in to play sitting volleyball with Gold Medalist, Annie Flood. He also learned how to throw a javelin with Justin Phongsavanh!

“I was once a new athlete unaware of the adaptive sports world, and after almost two years with Angel City Sports as an athlete, volunteer, intern and now working full-time, I feel our community is a safe space for everyone including those with an acquired or congenital disability who wish to find their sport. I am grateful for our community of athletes, volunteers, families, and friends and I am reminded how beautifully strong it is during every event and clinic. Seeing a person make their very first basketball shot from a sport chair or put on a pair of blind soccer goggles and kick the soccer ball is an incredible feeling every time. ACS has given me and thousands of others the confidence and community to excel as an athlete and leader with the overall goal of uplifting those with disabilities.”

Simultaneously Cristian co-founded a support group for Spanish-speaking amputees which he has been working with for the last two years, he started modeling and acting, and is currently training in sports like amputee soccer and javelin.