More than 9,000 students from five schools in Machala have received sports kits from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture. The ministry invested over $5,400 to provide equipment such as soccer and basketball balls, cones, hurdles, flags, whistles, and other materials aimed at encouraging physical activity among children and youth.
Favio Villamizar Sánchez, Zonal Coordinator 7 of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (Minedec), stated: “Sports not only contribute to physical development but also foster essential values such as discipline, teamwork and perseverance. Having proper equipment allows activities to be carried out safely and efficiently, motivating students to discover talents that can become opportunities for their future.”
Gustavo Miranda, principal of Unidad Educativa 9 de Octubre, said this initiative is “a recognition of the fundamental role that Physical Education plays in the comprehensive formation of our students. These are tools that promote health and well-being for children, adolescents and young people.”
Liliana Sánchez, head of the Physical Education Department at Unidad Educativa 9 de Octubre, mentioned that her school has suitable spaces for athletics, basketball, swimming, volleyball, soccer and gymnastics. She noted these facilities will now be further enhanced by the new sports equipment.
The Ministry reaffirmed its position that learning in Physical Education significantly contributes to health care and personal well-being in line with students’ interests and needs.
