Adaptive sport, a conversation that took place in Soacha

On April 21st, at the Soacha extension, a discussion was held on 'Adapted Sport' led by Michael Jordany Rodríguez, a graduate of Sports Science and Physical Education who works as a Boccia coach in the BC3 category, a discipline practiced by people with mobility difficulties due to cerebral palsy.

This activity also had the support of the coordination of the Sports Science and Physical Education program, headed by Luis Rafael Hutchinson Salazar. “With this discussion on adapted sports, we are implementing different elements of our Transmodern Digital Model (MEDIT): we are opening up spaces for participation to our graduates and making visible the great field of inclusion that exists in sports,” the professor noted.

From theory to practice

In addition to the talk given by Michael Jordan, there was also a demonstration of Boccia BC3, a sport that, according to the Official Paralympic Committee, is played as follows: “Each player, pair, or team has six balls in each round, and the one whose ball ends up closest to the white ball wins. They also receive an extra point for each additional ball they manage to get closer to the white ball than the opponent's first ball.”.

It should be added that the variations of this discipline are determined by the mobility of its participants. “Michael Jordan’s demonstration went beyond simply telling us the valuable story of Laura Carolina García Aponte, who, with the support of her family, has become a member of the Colombian Boccia BC3 National Team; he also performed some of the training exercises with her. It was truly a very valuable experience, especially because the discipline of both Michael and Laura was evident,” added Professor Hutchinson.

In line with this discussion, the Sports Science program offers a course specifically called Adaptive Sport. “This academic offering is part of our curriculum, which aims to promote inclusion within the program. For example, through our Olympic Studies Center, we not only foster an appreciation for the culture surrounding the sports showcased every four years, but also for the Paralympic disciplines, which is also what Baron Pierre de Coubertin envisioned,” says Professor Hutchinson.

The environment too

In addition to the connection between Sports Science and inclusion, the program also fosters a relationship with the environment. In fact, Professor Hutchinson mentioned that upcoming research events at the Faculty, such as the 8th International Congress of Sports Science and the university's Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) conference, will feature presentations aimed at reinforcing the idea that sport is life.

“In addition, on April 26, the Bogotá Mobility Secretariat will be holding a workshop on Clean Mobility focused on bicycle safety practices. Of course, the entire Udecina community is invited,” says Professor Hutchinson.

More news from the Soacha Extension at the News Agency