The city of Encarnación is set to deepen its sporting identity with the construction of a new high-performance centre. While the project promises innovation and social impact, it also builds on a longer trajectory of investment in sports infrastructure. Over the past three decades, the city has gradually positioned itself as one of Paraguay’s key hubs for athletic development.
From community sports to elite training
The foundation of this trajectory dates back to 1993, with the inauguration of the Centro de Desarrollo Comunitario (CDC), commonly known as Ex-Diben. Designed as a multi-sport complex, the venue introduced facilities for swimming, football, volleyball, and basketball. For years, it served as a central space for community engagement, local competitions, and youth training programmes.
A major turning point came in 2018 with the inauguration of the Centro de Alto Rendimiento del Sur. Built within the CDC complex, the facility marked Encarnación’s entry into elite sports infrastructure. Its Olympic-standard athletics track and expansive training areas enabled the city to host national competitions and support high-performance athletes. Since then, it has been used by federations, clubs, and young athletes preparing for regional and international events.
A new centre on the Costanera
The latest project, known as the Centro de Alto Rendimiento PRODE, introduces a new scale and vision for sport in the city. The complex will be located on the Costanera Bolik, one of Encarnación’s most prominent waterfront areas. Promoted by the Carlos and Miriam E. H. Foundation and later to be managed by Fundación Prode, the centre is expected to involve an investment of around US$4 million. It is designed primarily for basketball, but with a flexible infrastructure that supports cultural and community use.
Spanning over 4,000 square metres, the facility will feature a fully equipped gymnasium, accommodation for visiting delegations, a dining hall, classrooms, a projection room, and a reading space. It will also feature specialised recovery areas such as cryotherapy-equipped changing rooms, massage rooms, and swimming pools. Outdoor courts, public plazas, and parking for 200 vehicles are also part of the plan.
In addition, the centre will incorporate advanced technology, including a large LED screen and immersive sound systems. The high-performance centre is also expected to accommodate conferences and concerts.
A broader vision for youth and community
The latest project aims to expand access to sport across neighbourhoods, focusing on children aged 5 to 14 and prioritising inclusion over elite selection. A digital system will also be implemented to track student participation and development across schools in the city. This evolution highlights a clear pattern. Encarnación has moved from community-based infrastructure to elite training and now towards a hybrid model that blends performance with social impact. As a result, the city is not only expanding its facilities but also redefining the role of sport in public life.
With two high-performance centres serving different purposes, Encarnación is steadily consolidating its position as a national reference point for sport. The new development, rather than replacing what already exists, reinforces a growing ecosystem that connects neighbourhood participation with professional ambition.
