Recreation that changes realities

By: Alejandro García Suárez – Advisory Office of Communications

Luis Vergara, a 2014 graduate of the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports in Fusagasugá, found in recreation much more than a profession; he discovered a way to transform lives and build community through play, art, and education. For him, the program offered by UCundinamarca is unique because it integrates different approaches and opportunities. “We are a fusion of many worlds. We are not just coaches, teachers, or recreation leaders; the University allows us to explore different areas and find our own path,” he said.

Although he dreamed of being a sports coach since childhood, during his time at university he discovered the world of recreation, a field full of creativity, playful activities, and community engagement. That experience completely changed his professional and personal outlook.

“When I arrived at university, I wanted to dedicate myself solely to sports, but little by little, recreation captivated me. I found a career path I never imagined and a different way of teaching,” he stated. He began working in recreational activities during his second semester and, years later, received his first formal job opportunity at the Fusagasugá Sports and Recreation Institute (IDERF), where he worked for nine years, eight of them as coordinator of the recreation area.

He currently works as a physical education teacher, but says that recreation transformed his teaching style. “I went from traditional physical education, based on instruction, to an education full of play, movement, and opportunities for children and young people,” he commented.

One of her greatest achievements was creating “Muchos Mundos Recreación” (Many Worlds Recreation), an enterprise focused on events, art, culture, and entertainment in the Sumapaz region. Through this initiative, she has fostered programs with young people and children in neighborhoods, parks, and community spaces, promoting learning and community engagement through popular education.

“We wanted to show that education can also take place outside the classroom, through art, circus, recreation and culture,” he explained.

Luis proudly points out that many young people who participated in these programs are now working and developing projects in different regions of the country. For him, true success lies not only in financial gain, but also in enjoying what you do and making a positive impact on the lives of others. “The greatest achievement is waking up happy every day to go to work and knowing that, through play and recreation, we can transform realities and inspire new generations,” he concluded.

A key aspect of his training was the influence of the Transmodern Digital Educational Model (MEDIT) at the University of Cundinamarca, an academic approach focused on life skills, human development, and social transformation. According to Luis, this approach allowed him to understand education beyond the classroom, strengthening his vision of community work, creativity, and building opportunities for children, youth, and communities through recreation and play.

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