The Ecuadorian National Olympic Committee (COE), in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and local partners, launched the Semillas initiative, a program that promotes sport and Olympic values among young people in vulnerable communities in Guayaquil. This project, funded by the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity, has impacted 600 children since its inception in 2021, transforming their lives and fostering social development through sport.
Semillas is one of over 900 projects supported by the IOC’s Olympic Values Programme since 2021, aiming to increase sports participation and promote values-based education.
Sport and education for social inclusion
The Semillas program uses a dual approach: it encourages sports participation, including non-traditional Olympic sports, to promote social inclusion and community integration. Additionally, it combines recreational activities with Olympic values education, helping young people build self-esteem and healthy habits, steering them away from negative influences.
At the same time, the program identifies promising athletes in these communities, promoting their long-term engagement with sports and providing them with development opportunities.
Cross-sector collaboration for program success
The success of Semillas lies in the collaboration between the COE and local partners such as Fundación Niñez Internacional, the National Federations of handball and badminton, and the Centro de Atención Municipal Integral (CAMI) in Pascuales. Together, they have implemented the program in community centers across Guayaquil, offering morning and evening sports sessions for children and young people.
Andy Baque, an instructor and badminton player, highlighted the program’s positive impact: “I have seen the children very active; they have adapted well to badminton, and I hope many more will join.” Families have also noticed the benefits, as expressed by Vanessa Mero, the mother of one participant: “The project is very interesting; you can see that the activity is fun, and the kids enjoy it.”
Local impact with global projection
COE President Jorge Delgado emphasized the importance of Semillas: “There is nothing more comforting than a child’s smile. The children are happy and motivated to participate. While they may lack economic resources, they are rich in motivation, creativity, and joy. We hope to continue the project and triple the number of children we reach.”
Semillas is an example of the IOC’s commitment to expanding access to sport and values-based education, supporting National Olympic Committees in implementing programs with global impact through local action.
Semillas and the Olympism365 strategy
Semillas is part of the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy, which aims to strengthen the role of sport in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This strategy, launched as part of the Olympic Agenda 2020+5 reforms, supports over 550 sports and community initiatives worldwide.
The impact of projects like Semillas will be celebrated at the Olympism365 Summit: Sport for a Better World, taking place from June 3 to 5 in Lausanne, Switzerland. COE representatives will attend the event, which will bring together over 250 people from 100 organizations to highlight the power of sport as a driver of social change.
