Peru’s positive push for Para sport

The integration of Para sports within Peru’s national system has moved a step closer after the Congressional Commission of Social Inclusion approved measures to promote sports for people with impairment.

The project will now be sent to Congress for final approval.

Presented by Congresswoman Paloma Noceda, the project would allow, among other things, the inclusion of the Paralympic Association of Peru (ANPP) as the country's governing body of high-level sports for people with physical, visual and intellectual impairment. This would allow the ANPP access to extra support and resources.

ANPP President Lucha Villar said: “I am very happy because we could make people with impairment visible and talk about different topics such as inclusion, difficulties with transportation and opportunities for people with impairment.

“This is very important because since our foundation we knew about the necessity of being officially part of the Law of Sports.”

Former football player Jaime Drago participated in the discussion, explaining his experience with kids with visual impairment who play blind football.

Congressmen Jorge del Castillo and Edwin Donayre also participated, expressing their interest to promote Para sports across all regions.

This is especially important as the Peruvian capital city of Lima will stage the sixth edition of the Parapan American Games from 23 August-1 September 2019.

It will feature a record 1,850 athletes competing in 17 sports, two more than Toronto 2015 to become the biggest Parapan American Games to date.