The Provincial Government, through the Ministry of Education and Equality and Human Development, began this Thursday in the city of Santa Fe to deliver sports kits to the 513 educational institutions in Region IV – departments of La Capital, Garay, San Javier, San Justo, San Jerónimo and Las Colonias -, who participated in the program “Santa Fe en Movimiento”. In this context, so far this year more than 430,000 students belonging to 3,600 educational institutions in 350 centers in the province have participated in the program at local, departmental and provincial levels.
At CEF No. 29 in the capital city of Santa Fe, the Minister of Education, José Goity, indicated that “Santa Fe en Movimiento is a great experience that is growing, consolidating and showing a lot how we believe in it. They have to do things.”
In that sense, he said that “we changed the way of understanding sport, we took it from what was strictly or exclusively competitive, like the Santa Fe Games, to what was educational. Sports training at school is very important, because it is the seed bed, there is a foundation for the development of provincial and national sports.”
For her part, the Minister of Equality and Human Development, Victoria Tejeda, said that disabled people and elderly people were incorporated this year in the joint work done with the Ministry of Education in schools, it was much more comprehensive. to include the entire population so that people, who are legal subjects from very young children to the elderly, can be part of this program which has reached its actual result in the Evita Games, which reflects the work that is done daily in school institutions.”
An investment of $1,250 million pesos was involved in acquiring the sports equipment provided by the Ministry of Education and Equality and Human Development.
A development tool
Also, Mayor Juan Pablo Poletti highlighted “being able to have a program that provides features and tools so that teachers can complete their task, in which children and adults will participate to to empower as athletes. We understand that the province is involved with us in this initiative and we are committed to supporting all public policies that include equal rights.”
The Secretary of Education, Carolina Piedrabuena, also participated in the activity; the Sports Undersecretary, Fernando Maletti; the provincial director of Physical Education, Adrián Alurralde; Education Region IV delegate, Viviana Vergara; Senators Oscar Dolzani and Rodrigo Borla; deputy Gisel Mahmud, representatives of the beneficiary institutions.
sports kits
The kits were designed according to the level and enrollment of the institutions that participated in the project. In this context, there are 10 rubber balls, 25 colored turtles, 1 coordinated ladder with 5 steps, adjustable jumping fences with bases and anchors, 1 giant educational parachute for children and 1 carrying bag.
As for the primary school equipment, includes volleyball and handball, rubber balls, colored turtles, 5-step coordination ladder, PVC softball bat, tennis ball tubes, material carrying bag, and soccer balls, Basketballs and bibs.
And for secondary school institutions, volleyball and handball balls, rubber balls, colored turtles, 10-step coordination ladder, wooden softball bat, tennis ball tubes, material carrying bag, volleyball safety net and bibs are provided.
New deliveries
The initiative provides for the distribution of 2,500 sports equipment throughout the territory of the province of Santa Fe, covering the 9 Regional Education Delegations.
After the initial delivery to institutions in Region IV, the schedule provides for the following events: in Tostado (Region I) 70 devices; Reconquista (Region II) 288 gear; Rafaela (Region III) 218 devices; Armstrong (Region V) 236 devices; Roldan (Region VI) 498 Kits; One-Eyed Deer (Region VII) 198 Kit; San Jorge (Region VIII) 76 devices and San Cristóbal (Region IX) 141 devices.
How does the inclusion of diverse populations impact the effectiveness of sports education programs?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sports Education Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our interview segment! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Clara Mendoza, an expert in sports education. Dr. Mendoza, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Clara Mendoza (CM): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the recent developments in sports education, especially the “Santa Fe en Movimiento” program.
TNE: Absolutely! For our audience, can you share a bit about the “Santa Fe en Movimiento” initiative and its objectives?
CM: Certainly! “Santa Fe en Movimiento” is an innovative program initiated by the Provincial Government and the Ministry of Education. Its aim is to enhance sports education among students in Santa Fe by providing sports kits to over 500 educational institutions. This year alone, it’s seen participation from over 430,000 students across 3,600 institutions. The goal is to shift the focus from purely competitive sports to educational and inclusive physical activity, which is vital for holistic development in children.
TNE: That’s impressive! Minister José Goity mentioned a significant shift in how sports are understood within the educational framework. How does this shift impact students?
CM: It’s a fundamental change. By moving away from a strict competitive mindset, we’re promoting sports as a tool for education and personal growth. This approach encourages teamwork, discipline, and perseverance among students. Moreover, it lays the foundation for future provincial and national athletes, nurturing talent from a younger age in a nurturing environment.
TNE: Inclusion seems to be a central theme, as highlighted by Minister Victoria Tejeda. How important is it to integrate diverse populations, such as the elderly and individuals with disabilities, into these programs?
CM: Inclusion is paramount! By incorporating diverse demographics into sports programs, we promote equality and ensure that everyone has access to physical education. This not only helps in building a more equitable society but also enriches the sports culture by bringing different perspectives and talents to the table. It’s essential for individuals of all ages and abilities to feel they belong and can participate in physical activities.
TNE: Mayor Juan Pablo Poletti emphasized the role of this program in empowering both teachers and students. In what ways does this support educators in their roles?
CM: This program provides teachers with essential tools and resources to facilitate sports education more effectively. It allows them to implement engaging curriculums that not only focus on academics but also on physical well-being. When educators feel supported, they can inspire students, fostering a love for sports and a more active lifestyle.
TNE: With such a significant investment of 1,250 million pesos, what do you think are the long-term benefits of this program for the province?
CM: The long-term benefits are vast. By investing in sports education, the province is essentially investing in the health and well-being of its future generations. It can lead to improved physical health, lower rates of childhood obesity, and higher levels of mental well-being. Additionally, as students become more engaged in sports, we may see improved academic performance, teamwork skills, and leadership qualities—attributes that are invaluable in all areas of life.
TNE: It sounds like “Santa Fe en Movimiento” is truly a transformative initiative! Before we conclude, what message would you like to convey to other provinces considering similar programs?
CM: I would encourage them to see sports education not just as an extracurricular activity, but as a vital component of a well-rounded education. Promoting inclusivity and accessibility in physical education can create positive ripples throughout society. Sports are not just about competition; they’re a safe space for learning, developing social skills, and building community.
TNE: That’s a powerful message, Dr. Mendoza. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today!
CM: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic!