The Siempre Joven Sports Initiative, implemented nationwide since the beginning of this year, has become a benchmark for integration and community participation, revitalizing neighborhoods and fostering inclusive values.

With over 50,000 events held and an impressive 2.5 million participations, the initiative has deeply resonated with the youth population. Streets, as the primary venue, have proven to be a key space for recreation and strengthening social bonds.

Simultaneous chess matches, 3x3 basketball, orienteering races, Baseball5, boxing championships, futsal (mini-soccer) tournaments, domino festivals, draughts (checkers) cups, kite and flying object festivals, alongside athletics cups and A Jugar competitions, were among the numerous activities held from Cabo de San Antonio to Punta de Maisí.

“This movement is part of the promotion of recreation and leisure activities led by INDER, amid current social and economic transformations,” states one of its promoters, M.Sc. Luis Leocadio Valdés Ors.

Collaboration between state and non-state organizations has been a fundamental pillar of the project’s success, although logistical and coordination challenges persist and must be overcome to reach its full potential. Nevertheless, public acceptance is remarkable: 71% of surveyed participants rated the activities positively.

The inclusive nature of the program is reflected in the active participation of women and people with disabilities, promoting equitable access to sports. This democratizing approach reinforces the message that sports are a right for all, regardless of differences.

Street sports have found in the Sports Initiative a platform for their strengthening, becoming not only a popular tradition but also a breeding ground for future high-performance athletes. This highlights the long-term impact the project can have on the national sports landscape.

“Among future challenges is the need to improve information management, optimize available technical resources, and expand the use of sports facilities. These actions will help consolidate the achievements made and enhance the project's sustainability,” explains the lead professor of the INDER Branch School.

The festive spirit and community cohesion promoted by the initiative have solidified the perception that these activities are much more than competitions—they are a celebration of the neighborhood and its people. This reinforces a sense of belonging and local pride.

Looking ahead to 2026, Siempre Joven aims to transcend its initial impact and establish itself as a national movement that not only promotes sports but also fosters a more united and participatory society. This ambitious goal promises positive social change.

“The project has demonstrated that public spaces can be transformative engines for communities, where sports act as a vehicle for integration and recreation. It is a clear example of how well-managed initiatives can generate significant impacts,” argues the project’s proponent, who also serves as a methodologies specialist at INDER’s National Directorate of Physical Recreation.

Siempre Joven is an inspiring example of how collective effort can transform realities and build a more promising future for all.