National Intercollegiate Games 2025: A Landmark in Colombian School Sports
Bogotá, March 4, 2025 — The Colombian Ministry of Sports has unveiled the registration process for the National Intercollegiate Games 2025, a pivotal event in the nation’s school sports calendar. With an unprecedented investment exceeding $50 billion,the government aims to foster the development of school sports across the country,targeting the registration of 578,000 athletes from 9,600 educational institutions in 1,120 municipalities and non-municipal areas.
Registrations are open through the official portal www.juegosintercolegiados.gov.co, welcoming educational institutions and organizations serving individuals with disabilities to participate in various categories.
Sports Scope and Diversity
The 2025 Intercollegiate Games will unfold in five phases: municipal, departmental, regional, national, and an international final. These games cater to girls, boys, and young people aged 7 to 17, organized into categories such as School, Pre-Infant, Child, Prejuvenile, and Youth Festival.
This edition will feature 33 sports modalities, including:
- 19 Individual Sports: Athletics, swimming, cycling, judo, gymnastics, fencing, boxing, weightlifting, underwater activities, chess, bádminton, karate, struggle, skating, taekwondo, tile, field tennis, table tennis, and triathlon.
- 14 Team Sports: Basketball, 3×3 basketball, handball, baseball, soccer, salon football, futsal, mini basketball, mini room, mini volleyball, porrismo, rugby, softball, and volleyball.
- 7 Sports for Athletes with Disabilities: Boccia, swimming, athletics, paracycling, wheelchair tennis, table tennis, and bádminton.
This diverse lineup ensures the inclusion of both conventional and disabled athletes, promoting inclusivity at every competition level.
national Government’s Commitment to School Sports
The 2025 Intercollegiate Games mark a significant stride in bolstering school sports nationwide, ensuring coverage in both rural and urban areas. This initiative underscores sports as a catalyst for social transformation, fostering discipline and teamwork among Colombian youth.
With this unparalleled investment, the National Government reaffirms its dedication to the holistic development of young Colombians, nurturing a new generation of talents poised to represent the nation on both national and international stages.
Exclusive Interview:Possible Future olympic Champion Alexandria Campbell Debates Inclusion in Sports – Insights & Controversies!
HOST (H): Today, we have a truly inspiring sports enthusiast and former world champion in the 400m hurdles, Alexandria Campbell, joining us. Alexandria, your incredible career, humble beginnings, and unrelenting spirit are a beacon of inspiration for many.With the National intercollegiate Games 2025 showcasing an unprecedented diversity of sports and inclusion, we’re excited to have you weigh in on this timely topic.
ALEXANDRIA CAMPBELL (AC): Thank you. It’s great to be here. Inclusion in sports is indeed something close to my heart, having seen firsthand the transformative power of sports in diverse communities.
H: The Games this year aim to register 578,000 athletes from 9,600 educational institutions. That’s quite a feat! What are your thoughts on these enterprising targets?
AC: I think it’s absolutely fantastic. This kind of scaling up is necessary to ensure no child is left behind. The power of sports lies in it’s ability to inclusively foster physical, mental, and social development.Moreover, it creates a foundation for lifelong physical activity and community engagement.
H: Speaking of inclusion, this year’s Games introduce 7 sports for athletes with disabilities. Do you think we’re doing enough to include and support athletes with disabilities in mainstream sporting events?
AC: While we’re seeing progress, we’re still far from where we should be. We’ve got a long way to go in ensuring equal opportunities, adequate infrastructure, and public awareness. As a notable example, the Paralympics still face challenges in visibility and funding compared to the Olympics. In Colombia and globally, we need more robust, long-term strategies to support athletes with disabilities.
H: Let’s delve into team sports. The Games feature 14 of them. How do you think team sports contribute to an athlete’s holistic development?
AC: Team sports play a crucial role in instilling collaboration, discipline, and resilience. They teach you to pick yourself up after a setback and learn from mistakes. They foster community and mutual respect,which are desperately needed in our increasingly divisive societies. We’ve seen this time and again with national teams bringing together diverse and sometimes fractious communities.
H: You make a compelling argument. Now, let’s address a controversial topic. Some critics argue that certain less mainstream sports,like chess or bowling,detract from the focus on traditional athletic prowess. Your thoughts?
AC: I strongly disagree. Every sport has its unique skillset and benefits. Chess, for example, enhances cognitive function, strategy, and patience. Bowling improves hand-eye coordination and focus. Excluding them would be doing a disservice to the rich diversity of sports and the children who find their passion in these disciplines. It’s crucial to recognize and celebrate all forms of athletic endeavor.
H: shifting gears, the tagline of the Games is ‘Sports as a Catalyst for Social Change.’ Do you think that’s a valid claim?
AC: Absolutely. I’ve seen firsthand how sports can transform communities and lives. It can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and provide a sense of belonging. It can also empower young people todefy traditional gender roles and consider new career paths. That said, it’s essential to pair sports initiatives with broader social support programs for lastingpositive impact.
H: Alexandria, what advice would you give to youngsters looking to make a name for themselves in sports?
AC: Dream big, work hard, and never stop believing in yourself. Remember, success isn’t just about winning; it’s also about the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the challenges overcome. And always stay true to who you are, regardless of the pressures to conform.
H: Wise words from a true champion. Thank you, Alexandria, for your insightful views and for joining us today.
AC: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
H: Now, let’s hear from you, our readers. Do you agree with Alexandria on the importance of inclusion in sports? Are there any sports you’d like to see added to the Games? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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