Buenos Aires – The Ente Patagónico del Deporte (Patagonian Sports Entity) has finalized the dates and venues for the 2026 Juegos EPADE (Games for the Integration of People with Disabilities) and ParaEPADE, solidifying a commitment to regional sports development and inclusivity. The announcement follows the first ordinary meeting of the entity, held in Buenos Aires at the Casa de Neuquén, with representatives from seven provinces in attendance.
The meeting, which took place on February 24, 2026, brought together officials including Matías Runin, Secretary of Sports for Tierra del Fuego; Erica Briceño, Subsecretary of Sports; and Nahuel Velázquez, representing the Committee for People with Disabilities. Representatives from La Pampa, Río Negro, Neuquén, Chubut, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego participated in the discussions, focusing on coordinating the calendar and technical guidelines for the upcoming games.
The collaborative effort underscores a regional commitment to providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities. According to officials, the focus was on optimizing resources for athlete travel and lodging, as well as updating technical regulations to ensure fair and consistent competition. This year’s games will feature a diverse range of sports, showcasing the athletic talent within Patagonia.
Games Kick Off in Chubut in April
The 2026 Juegos EPADE and ParaEPADE will begin in the province of Chubut between April 13th and 17th. Rawson will host the 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball and Boccia competitions (part of ParaEPADE). Comodoro Rivadavia is set to welcome athletes competing in ParaEPADE’s athletics and swimming events. Beach volleyball (Juegos de la Integración Patagónica – JIP) will take place in Rada Tilly, rounding out Chubut’s role as the opening host.
The action will then move to Tierra del Fuego and Santa Cruz from April 20th to 24th. Río Grande will be the center for Olympic weightlifting, conventional and disability archery, as well as conventional and disability table tennis within the JIP framework. Ushuaia will make its debut as a host city, welcoming competitors in conventional and disability badminton (JIP).
Santa Cruz will also play a key role, with Caleta Olivia hosting Olympic wrestling and Taekwondo (JIP), and Río Gallegos set to stage competitions in climbing, artistic gymnastics, and tennis (JIP). Neuquén will also host events, initially focusing on swimming from April 20th to 24th, and later, from May 17th to 23rd, will host handball and athletics.
Expanding the Games Across Patagonia
Beyond Chubut, Tierra del Fuego, and Santa Cruz, La Pampa will host judo, cycling, and volleyball in Santa Rosa. Viedma, in Río Negro, will be the venue for football and basketball competitions. This distribution of events across the Patagonian provinces aims to maximize participation and showcase the region’s diverse sporting infrastructure.
Nahuel Astutti, President of the Ente Patagónico del Deporte, emphasized the significance of the collaborative effort. “Patagonia continues to demonstrate that, through the unity of its provinces, sport is a state policy that does not stop,” Astutti said. “We have reached fundamental agreements so that our athletes continue to have the prominence they deserve.”
The provinces have collectively reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the participation of thousands of young athletes and individuals with disabilities. This commitment solidifies the Patagonian block as a model for federal integration through sport. The games represent not only a celebration of athletic achievement but also a powerful statement about inclusivity and regional cooperation.
For athletes and fans alike, the 2026 Juegos EPADE and ParaEPADE promise to be a landmark event, showcasing the spirit of competition and the power of sport to unite communities across Patagonia. The detailed planning and collaborative approach suggest a well-organized and impactful games, setting a positive precedent for future regional sporting events.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the commencement of the EPADE games in Neuquén from May 17th to 23rd, where handball and athletics will take center stage. Keep an eye on the Ente Patagónico del Deporte’s official channels for further updates and detailed schedules as the games approach.
What are your thoughts on the expanded regional games? Share your comments below and let us know what you’re most looking forward to seeing at the 2026 EPADE and ParaEPADE!
