Cartagena de Indias: National Community Sports and Traditional Games

The National Community Games of Colombia were founded in 1999 by Gregorio Salgado Mendoza, a community leader from the La Candelaria neighborhood in Cartagena. His proposal aimed at creating a sporting space for the community, complementing inter-school and university sports competitions. In 2000, the first Inter-Community Games took place with the participation of 15 communities. As the project grew, the need arose for the Community Action Boards (JAC) to play a central role in the organization. In 2006, during the XX National Community Congress in Armenia, Salgado presented his proposal to the National Community Confederation, which approved it and took it to the Ministry of Culture and Coldeportes. In 2007, the Community Games were formalized, and their first national edition was held in 2009 in Girardot and Fusagasugá (Cundinamarca).

These games promote community integration through both conventional and traditional sports, fostering local culture, education, recreation, and social development. Their evolution has involved adjustments in methodology and funding, integrating public-private collaboration as well as new cultural and sports activities. Businesses, international organizations, and crowdfunding have been key to their sustainability. Supported by Law 2166 of 2021, the Community Games have become the leading event for community social sports in Colombia.

Their impact has strengthened community fabric, cultural identity, and social cohesion, promoting citizen participation and local development. The communication strategy includes newsletters, WhatsApp, radio, and social media, as well as technological and methodological innovations in organization. Inclusion has been encouraged by integrating children, youth, women, indigenous communities, Afro-descendants, and older adults, ensuring participation spaces for all. Over the years, these games have evolved thanks to active citizen participation and institutional support, establishing themselves as a key tool for participatory democracy, social integration, and the strengthening of cultural identity in Colombia.

For more information:

https://www.mindeporte.gov.co/sala-prensa/noticias-mindeporte/gregorio-salgado-gestor-los-juegos-comunales-colombia