Evaluation of ACES in Cota, Puerto Salgar and Samborondón: A commitment to development through sport

Cota, Puerto Salgar and Samborondón, August 2024

ACES recently carried out an evaluation visit to the Colombian towns of Cota and Puerto Salgar, as well as to the Ecuadorian city of Samborondón, with the aim of assessing their progress in promoting sport as a central pillar of their socio-economic and community development.

The ACES delegation was received with enthusiasm by the local authorities and by the sporting community of each town, who have worked tirelessly on the implementation of public policies that encourage physical activity and sport in all its forms. This effort is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the quality of life of citizens, promote social inclusion and position these towns as benchmarks for development through sport.

In Cota, a municipality that has stood out for its commitment to the creation of sporting spaces and the organisation of community events, the ACES delegation had the opportunity to learn first-hand about the projects that are transforming the lives of Cota's residents. From the creation of new sporting infrastructure to training programmes for young people, Cota is positioning itself as a model to follow in the region.

Puerto Salgar, for its part, has focused its efforts on using sport as a tool for social cohesion and the rebuilding of the community fabric. Through initiatives ranging from football to less conventional disciplines, the municipality has managed to involve different groups of the population in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, contributing to the comprehensive development of its inhabitants.

Finally, Samborondón, one of the most prosperous cities in Ecuador, has made a strong commitment to sport as a driver of urban and social development. During the visit, ACES was able to observe the significant progress in the creation of world-class infrastructure, as well as in the implementation of programmes that seek to democratise access to sport, making Samborondón an example of how sport can be successfully integrated into the growth of a city.

The ACES visit concluded with a meeting in which the evaluators highlighted the effort and dedication of these towns in fostering sport, underlining their potential to become American Cities and municipalities of Sport. This recognition would not only highlight the work carried out to date, but would also encourage these towns to continue advancing in their commitment to sporting and social development.