The Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture announced on March 11 the renewal of its partnership with the Smart Fit gym chain as part of the new High Performance Plan for Los Angeles 2028. The announcement was made by Roberto Ibáñez, Vice Minister of Sport, during an event in the north of the capital.
Ibáñez said that maintaining strategic alliances with institutions like Smart Fit is important for strengthening national sports. “This agreement confirms the commitment of private companies to athletes and to the country’s sport. It is one of the benefits included in the High Performance Plan for each of you, who should focus only on your preparation and competing at the highest level,” Ibáñez said.
The renewed membership is part of the Black VIP plan, valid for one year, and will benefit athletes enrolled in the High Performance Plan (PAR), which currently includes 293 athletes. The membership provides access to more than 600 facilities both inside and outside Ecuador, including countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Colombia. Additional benefits include use of wet areas, spa services, post-training massages, and guidance from trained instructors.
Beli Cruz, regional manager at Smart Fit, said: “We are happy to continue being part of High Performance and to join its work team. This renewal of membership, which began in 2024 with a view toward the Paris Olympic Games, motivates us to keep supporting the training of the country’s best athletes who will seek new medals in Los Angeles 2028.”
To access these benefits, athletes must indicate their participation in PAR and complete a form that will be reviewed within two days. During this validation process they can already use gym facilities.
Franklin León, a powerlifting athlete, said: “I want to thank you on behalf of all athletes for thinking about our preparation and managing these benefits for us. This is the work we have been waiting for a long time and today it is consolidated again.” The government says it remains committed to supporting national athletes as they prepare for future achievements.
