Inclusion of people with disabilities in Ecuadorian sports

Abstract

The article analyzes the advances, challenges, and prospects of including people with disabilities in Ecuador's sports system. It starts from a conceptual framework that distinguishes between adapted sports, focused on physical disabilities with modified rules, and inclusive sports, which promotes the joint participation of people with and without disabilities under the same rules. The study is qualitative and descriptive in nature, based on a systematic review of national and international regulatory frameworks, public policies, and institutional reports. Some significant advances were identified, such as the organization of the National Adapted Sports Games, successful participation in Parapan American events, and the inclusion of disability in the Organic Law of Sports. The study concluded that there is a considerable gap between the legal framework and reality. Critical challenges persist in practice, such as infrastructure, funding, training, and limited coordination between the State, local governments, and sports federations. It was concluded that, although the regulatory commitment is strong, comprehensive public policies, monitoring mechanisms, and greater political will are required for sports to become a true space for inclusion, equality, and human development for all people.