100K Teens in National Sports Games
Over 100,000 Teens Expected at National Sports Games
LAS PIEDRAS, Uruguay – The 2025 National Sports Games, a nationwide program promoting access to sports, anticipates participation from over 100,000 students. The launch event, held Wednesday, drew key government figures.
Launch Event Details
President yamandú Orsi attended the launch of the 2025 National Sports Games at the Liceo Gymnasium No. 1, Manuel Rosé, in Las Piedras, Canelones.
José Carlos Mahía, head of the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), and alejandro Pereda and Gabriela Freire, Secretary and National Undersecretary of Sports, respectively, were also present. Andrea Pesce, Sports and Education Coordinator, and Eugenia Godoy, director of the National Youth Institute (INJU), also attended.
Other attendees included Manuel Oroño,general director of Secondary Education; Gabriela Garrido,mayor of Canelones; and Amaro Nadal,sports director of the commune of Río Negro,representing the Congress of Mayors.
National Sports Games Overview
The National Sports Games, an inter-institutional initiative, targets adolescents ages 12-19, including those involved in non-formal education. As it’s inception in 2016, the program has consistently drawn over 100,000 young participants from across Uruguay.
the games feature both female and male categories across eight disciplines:
- Athletics
- Chess
- Table Tennis
- Swimming
- Handball
- Basketball
- volleyball
- Futsal
Program Goals and Impact
Pesce emphasized the collaborative nature of the competition,highlighting the “integration of looks,knowledge and complementary contributions from different institutions.” The goal is to ensure that all teenagers, irrespective of their background, have the opportunity to participate in sports competitions.
According to Pesce, the games involve educational centers, sports facilities, MEC departments, local governments, INJU, and the Institute of the Children and Adolescent of Uruguay, giving the program “meaning and heart.”
Pereda noted the event exemplifies coordinated efforts among various agencies.”That is the format that from the National Secretariat of Sports we want to promote for our policies,” he said, adding that the program creates opportunities for over 100,000 young people to engage in a national event.
Godoy emphasized the role of sports as a community builder and health promoter, rather than solely a competition. He added that sports address issues such as violence reduction and prevention of problematic drug use.
Pablo Caggiani, head of the National Public Education Administration (ANEP), stated that the large participation demonstrates the uruguayan state’s capacity to develop public policies and ensures the event’s continuation across different administrations. “(That volume) accounts for the power of the Uruguayan State to build public policy,” Caggiani said.
Related Media
Audios and photos from the launch event are available.
Over 100,000 Teens Expected at National Sports Games: Your Questions Answered
What are teh National Sports Games?
the 2025 National Sports Games are a nationwide program in Uruguay designed to promote access to sports for young people. The program anticipates participation from over 100,000 students. The games aim to provide all teenagers, regardless of their background, the chance to participate in sports competitions.
Who is eligible to participate?
The national Sports Games target adolescents aged 12-19, including those involved in non-formal education.
When and where did the launch event take place?
The launch event for the 2025 National Sports Games was held on wednesday in Las Piedras, Uruguay.
Who attended the launch event?
Key government figures attended the launch event.These included:
President Yamandú Orsi
José Carlos Mahía, head of the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC)
Alejandro Pereda and Gabriela freire, Secretary and National Undersecretary of Sports, respectively
Andrea Pesce, Sports and Education Coordinator
Eugenia Godoy, director of the National Youth institute (INJU)
Manuel Oroño, general director of Secondary Education
Gabriela Garrido, mayor of Canelones
Amaro Nadal, sports director of the commune of Río Negro, representing the Congress of Mayors
What are the goals of the National Sports Games?
The primary goal of the National Sports Games is to ensure that all teenagers have the chance to participate in sports competitions.This is achieved through a collaborative effort involving various institutions. The games aim to promote sports as a community builder and health promoter, addressing issues such as violence reduction and the prevention of problematic drug use.
What disciplines are included in the games?
The games feature both female and male categories across eight different sports disciplines.
What sports are included in the National Sports Games?
The games include the following sports
Athletics
Chess
Table Tennis
Swimming
Handball
Basketball
Volleyball
Futsal
How manny participants are expected?
The program anticipates participation from over 100,000 students.
What is the impact of the program?
The National Sports Games provide an opportunity for over 100,000 young people to engage in a national event. The initiative is seen as a triumphant example of coordinated efforts among various agencies,promoting sports as a valuable tool to build community and encourage healthy lifestyles.
What institutions are involved in the National sports Games?
The program involves a collaborative effort between educational centers, sports facilities, MEC departments, local governments, INJU, and the Institute of the Children and Adolescent of Uruguay.
Key Takeaways from the National Sports Games
Here is a summary of the Key Points:
| Aspect | Details |
| ———————- | ———————————————————————————————————— |
| Target Audience | Adolescents aged 12-19,including those in non-formal education |
| Primary Goal | Provide all teenagers the opportunity to participate in sports |
| key Stakeholders | educational centers,sports facilities,MEC departments,local governments,INJU,and institute of the Children and Adolescent of Uruguay |
| Sports Disciplines | athletics,Chess,Table Tennis,Swimming,Handball,Basketball,Volleyball,Futsal |
| Expected Participation | Over 100,000 students |
| Outcomes | Community building,health promotion,violence reduction,and prevention of problematic drug use |