The Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture concluded the 2025 cycle of its programs “Actívate” and “Vamos a la Cancha” in the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe. These initiatives aim to encourage regular physical activity in neighborhoods, communities, and parks, as well as promote recreational sports for children and adolescents between 5 and 17 years old who are considered vulnerable.
According to official figures, about 1,000 people benefited from these services in Zamora Chinchipe over the year. In Loja, more than 4,500 children, youth, and adults participated in the programs.
Rosa Valencia, a participant in Actívate, said: “Es un proyecto excelente que nos permite mantenernos saludables, existimos personas con problemas de salud y a través de la actividad física sentimos que rejuvenecemos, es magnífica la idea, por cuanto el deporte nos llena de vida.” (Translation: “It is an excellent project that allows us to stay healthy. There are people with health problems and through physical activity we feel rejuvenated; it is a magnificent idea because sport fills us with life.”)
Favio Villamizar, Zonal Coordinator 7 of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture stated: “Hoy no es el final, sino el inicio de un nuevo compromiso para seguir promoviendo la actividad física, los valores y la unión en toda la ciudadanía. Trabajaremos para que los Servicios Actívate y Vamos a la Cancha continúen en cada barrio, parroquia, cantón y así llegar a cada punto para incentivar espacios saludables.” (Translation: “Today is not the end but the beginning of a new commitment to continue promoting physical activity, values and unity among all citizens. We will work so that Actívate and Vamos a la Cancha services continue in every neighborhood, parish and canton to reach every point to encourage healthy spaces.”)
The Ministry announced plans through its Vice Ministry of Sport to expand coverage for these programs into 2026. The policy aims to reduce sedentary lifestyles across Ecuador while strengthening both physical and emotional health within communities.
