Sport has always been recognized as a tool for the physical and emotional well-being of people. Additionally, sport also has an effect on social change, positively impacting society.

In 2019, the Ibero-American Sports Council (CID) and the General Secretariat of Ibero-America (SEGIB) wrote the booklet "Sport as a tool for Sustainable Development" with the aim of demonstrating that sport can contribute to "compliance with the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ”and to position it as a key element for the development of the countries of the region.

Source: UN. 

"Equal opportunities can be favored in and through sport, since it promotes social inclusion, diversity and the empowerment of vulnerable groups (people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, etc.)", says the booklet on SDG 10 " Reduction of inequalities ”.

Sport reduces social and discrimination gaps and an example of this is the Parapan American Games. According to its creators and promoters, the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC), this continental event "seeks to contribute to the construction of more inclusive societies through the promotion and development of sport."

The Argentine Para swimmer, Daniela Giménez, began to participate in this event at just 14 years old and declares that she grew up with swimming. The young woman highlights the role of sport and the importance of this Parapan American event, because "Paralympic sport is part of the inclusion of people with disabilities."

Ignacio Gallardo, Doctor in Psychology from the University of Chile and professor of the "Sports and Society" chair, assures that "sport, as a public policy, contributes to greater interaction between the subjects of society", thus contributing to the inclusion. In addition, the accomplishment of Santiago 2023 in Chilean society stands out because "it will leave a visible legacy, such as infrastructures, and it will install a sports culture."

In this way, sport has a fundamental role in the sustainable development of our society, since it can reduce inequalities; promote values, such as companionship and respect and generate community through the integration of diverse people.