Football With Walkers in Chile: Para Football Volunteer Spreading Inclusion in America
Football With Walkers in Chile: Para Football Volunteer Spreading Inclusion in America
Para Football Foundation continues to promote and amplify initiatives that demonstrate the transformative power of inclusive sport across the world.
On 20 March, this commitment was reflected through the participation of our volunteer, Osvaldo Jorge Hernández, at the III National Congress on Adapted Physical Activity – SOCHIAFA – UVM, hosted at Universidad Viña del Mar.
Osvaldo is an Argentinian football director, sports event director, coach and mentor, with extensive experience in inclusive football development, and sports projects management.
Drawing on years of work as a coach, mentor and project leader, in his presentation “Football with walkers: when sport restores dignity”, he emphasized a vision of sport that goes far beyond competition, positioning it as a powerful tool for motivation, personal growth and social transformation.
“Achieving success, happiness, or any goal you set is a matter of vision, knowledge, skill and attitude” - Hernández stated.
The session explored how adapted football, particularly football with walkers, creates meaningful opportunities for participation. It highlighted how inclusive sport can empower individuals while reinforcing a sense of dignity, belonging and purpose.
Hernández also drew compelling parallels between sport and everyday life, underlining the importance of teamwork and shared objectives:
“The challenges we face in sport reflect life itself; it is through teamwork that we find the strength to reach our goals”.
The congress brought together professionals, educators and advocates committed to advancing adapted physical activity. For the Fundación Argentina de Inclusión y Deporte, participating as speakers represented both an honour and a responsibility. It was an opportunity to share experiences while learning from a growing global community.
The event was made possible thanks to the leadership of Matías Henríquez, President of SOCHIAFA and Para Football volunteer, along with Felipe Herrera, Congress Director. Their efforts created a valuable platform for dialogue, collaboration and progress in inclusive sport.
Beyond the exchange of knowledge, the congress reinforced a shared vision: building a more inclusive sporting landscape where everyone has a place. It served as a reminder that sport, at its best, is about human connection and meaningful impact.
As Para Football Foundation continues to promote inclusive football worldwide, moments like these highlight the importance of collaboration, education and leadership in driving real change.
Because when sport becomes a vehicle for inclusion, it does more than change the game. It changes lives.
