The Paraguayan National Sports Secretariat‘s (SND) Sports Schools are consolidating as a high-impact social project in Paraguay, offering free training in a wide variety of disciplines for children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17, at SND Sports Facilities.
This program, which encompasses both physical and educational training, aims to provide young people with the opportunity to develop athletic skills, improve their health and well-being, and acquire fundamental values such as discipline, responsibility, and respect.
During their participation in the Tribuna program on Paraguay TV, physical education and sports specialists from the SND shared key details about this program and its benefits. Manuel Gill Morlis, head of the SND’s Inclusive Sports Department, highlighted the project’s inclusive approach, mentioning the importance of promoting the participation of people with physical and intellectual disabilities in sports activities.
“At the National Sports Council (SND), we are promoting adapted and inclusive sports with specific programs that include sports such as wheelchair rugby and goalball, specifically aimed at people with visual impairments. These sports have grown significantly in the last five years and have allowed for greater inclusion, with the active participation of our athletes in international competitions,” said Gill Morlis.
The SND’s Sports Schools program offers free classes in various sports disciplines, including traditional ones like soccer, basketball, and volleyball, but has also expanded to include less conventional activities that promote creativity and strategic thinking, such as chess, badminton, table tennis, and fencing.
Manuel Albariño, program coordinator, explained that classes are held both on the SND Sports Facilities campus and at various external locations, such as the National Aquatic Center (CAN), the San Francisco neighborhood, and the La Chacarita Community Center. “We have classes Monday through Friday, from afternoon to evening. Our goal is to offer accessible activities for all children and adolescents, with a comprehensive approach that encompasses both physical development and personal growth,” explained Albariño.
The program also stands out for its flexibility and ability to adapt to participant demand. Although some sports, such as karate and taekwondo, have limited spots due to high demand, Albariño mentioned that there are still opportunities in disciplines such as chess, fencing, badminton, and wrestling. Furthermore, the SND recently incorporated new sports, such as padel tennis and squash, to keep the program fresh and attractive to young people.
Those interviewed added that the program is focused on providing opportunities for access to sports in all regions of Paraguay. Currently, the SND is implementing an expansion of the Sports Schools to indigenous communities, with the addition of five departments: Alto Paraguay, Boquerón, Caaguazú, Canindeyú, and Presidente Hayes.
This effort seeks to ensure that children and adolescents from more remote communities also have access to the benefits of sports. “We want children from all regions, especially those in rural or more isolated areas, to have the opportunity to play sports and improve their quality of life. We are working on a specific program to reach Indigenous communities, which is a fundamental part of our commitment to inclusion and equity,” Albariño emphasised.
Registration for the program is now open, and the National Sports and Recreation (SND) has streamlined the process to make it easier for everyone interested. Young people can easily sign up through a WhatsApp number, where they are provided with information about schedules and available sports.
The requirements are minimal: all you need is a photocopy of your ID. Furthermore, the program has a massive reach, with an average of 1,000 children enrolled per day, demonstrating the interest and acceptance this initiative has enjoyed in the community.
The impact of the SND Sports Facilities is not limited to physical training, but also seeks to promote a cultural change in society. “Our goal is to create a sports culture in Paraguay, where children and young people see sports as a tool for their overall development, to learn to work as a team, to overcome obstacles, and, above all, to lead a healthy life,” concluded Albariño.
A government statement read: “With the support of the government, through the National Sports and Sports Association (SND), this program reaffirms its commitment to universal access to sports and inclusion, strengthening the well-being of Paraguayan children and youth and building a healthier and more equitable society for future generations.”
