Youth Ambassadors in Latin America
Leading Local Transformation through Sport
By María-José Muñoz C.
Looking back at the past years of the Sport for Development (S4D) programme, one of the most inspiring journeys in Latin America has been that of the Youth Ambassadors of Sport. What began as a small call soon grew into a vibrant network of 24 young leaders (42% women) from six countries—Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Chile—who today use sport as a tool for inclusion, peacebuilding, and community participation.
The transformation we witnessed was not only about skills and numbers, but about young people discovering their own voices and leadership potential. They built professional networks, strengthened life skills, and became certified instructors in the “Deporte con Principios” methodology. Yet what truly mattered was how they translated this learning into action at home: creating safe spaces for children, training coaches, designing gender equality initiatives, and opening doors for persons with disabilities.
There are powerful examples along the continent: From a community library in Colombia, to inclusive projects with children and athletes with disabilities in Guatemala, Chile, and Ecuador, to sports academies using innovative approaches through chess, volleyball or football—their creativity shaped real change.
As part of their training, each ambassador was tasked with implementing an initiative in their community. Nearly 85% did so successfully, launching projects that were both creative and impactful. Behind these numbers are powerful stories. Luis Valencia, a Para-Powerlifting athlete from Ecuador, became a role model for persons with disabilities, inspiring others to believe in their own potential. In Guatemala, the Maya coach Juan Emilio Choguaj, who trains the national para-athletics and boccia teams, led inclusive initiatives and took the stage at national forums to show how sport can be a pathway to dignity and participation. Together, Luis and Juan Emilio co-led a bi-national initiative on mental health in adapted sport, which connected participants from across continents. Their main motivation was: “Through sport we learned that leadership is not about being the strongest but about creating spaces where everyone feels safe and included.”
The highlights of the ambassadors journey are many: international exchanges, the creation of a regional network of young leaders, and community initiatives such as inclusive sports days in rehabilitation centres, which brought hope to parents and children alike. These milestones demonstrated that when guided by principles of equality and participation, sport can be a low-cost yet high-impact tool to strengthen the social fabric.
As we close the programme, this network stands as living proof that change is possible when young people are entrusted with leadership. Their stories remind us that transformation may start on the playing field, but extend far beyond—into neighbourhoods, and entire communities.
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