Few studies have been done on the Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) programmes which take place in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This chapter contributes to the advancement of the field of research on SDP in this region by documenting the impacts of these programmes on participants. The study also tried to understand the sports intervention mechanisms that allow the participants to change their lives. The chapter presents collaborative research that aims to describe Colombian youth experiences throughout an SDP programme that led some children from low-income neighbourhoods to participate in the Olympic Games. Documents analyses and seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with key actors (administrators, coaches and athletes) who participated in a triple and transversal (local, district and national) Olympic walking training programme from a community in Bogotá to the Olympic Games. This chapter provides an understanding of the combination of the three SDP programmes ([1] Local: Ciudad Bolívar community, [2] District: Instituto Distrital de Recreación y Deporte and el Departamento Administrativo del Deporte, la Recreación, la Actividad Física y el Aprovechamiento del Tiempo Libre, [3] National: Coldeportes). It also describes and analyses short- and long-term perceived effects of the process for Colombian youth in their development, education, health and career. Recommendations and perspectives are presented for official SDP organizations in LAC regions to help development and peace-building.
Description of Colombian Youth Experiences Throughout a Sport for Development and Peace Programme Walking from a Local Bogotá Community to the Olympic Games
