Panama hosts adapted sports games for over 4,000 students with disabilities

Panama is hosting its 7th Adapted Sports Games, with over 4,000 students with disabilities from various educational programs and special inclusion classrooms participating. The event, running from July 27-31 under the slogan "Participation without Barriers 2026," showcases the abilities of young participants in adapted sports such as boccia, goalball, sitting volleyball, and rhythmic gymnastics.

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We create circuits for the little ones, where we start developing their motor skills, and then we advance according to the ages of the children and participate in activities, in sports competitions.

Organizers have structured the activities to suit the age and motor development of each student. Younger children engage in circuits designed to enhance their motor skills, while older students participate in more traditional sports competitions. "We create circuits for the little ones, where we start developing their motor skills, and then we advance according to the ages of the children and participate in activities, in sports competitions," explained one organizer.

José Camarena, national director for rehabilitation at IPHE, highlighted that each sport is modified to ensure inclusivity. "It's called adapted sport because the games are adapted so that all students can participate," he stated. The games commenced in Panama Este and Guna Yala, with subsequent events held in Veraguas, Chiriquí, Los Santos, Bocas del Toro, Herrera, Coclé, and various programs within Panama City. The final day will feature activities in Darién, Colón, Panama Oeste, and specialized programs like the School of Special Education, Autism Program, and Early Stimulation Program.

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It's called adapted sport because the games are adapted so that all students can participate.

The coordinator emphasized the event's core mission: "This institutional activity seeks to ensure that students with very specific conditions can participate in sports, because everyone has the right to participate." The games aim to provide a platform for students with specific needs to engage in athletic activities, fostering inclusion and demonstrating their capabilities.

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This institutional activity seeks to ensure that students with very specific conditions can participate in sports, because everyone has the right to participate.