National Assembly recognizes Olympic and Paralympic athletes

The National Assembly awarded recognitions to the athletes who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, in a ceremony that took place on December 14, in the plenary hall.

Christian Sánchez, president of the Ecuadorian Sports Glories (Glodec), stressed that Ecuador’s sports participation in Tokyo 2020 was relevant, since the historical milestone that the Olympic athlete, Neisi Dajomes, marked now influences many girls and boys who are interested in weightlifting and other disciplines.

Sanchez revealed that for three years they have presented proposals to the legislature on reforms to the Sports Law, which reflects the reality that athletes experience every day and promotes true rights for the sports sector.

During the 752 legislative session, a resolution was approved by legislator María José Plaza (CREO), which declares August 29 of each year as the National Day of Paralympic Sports, in which the work and effort they carry out will be recognized. athletes with disabilities. It was chosen that day, because that was when Ecuador won its first gold medal at the Paralympic Games.

During the recognition ceremony, the president of the National Assembly, Guadalupe Llori, promised to process a Sports Law project to improve the living conditions of those who need it most.

The proposal, he said, seeks to guarantee the right of athletes in the fields of higher education, labor and social. The creation of special educational programs for high-performance athletes, scholarships, financial aid and affirmative actions is proposed.

Regarding labor, the right to social security and incentives for employers and workers that promote the practice of sport is proposed, and also prioritizes medical care for athletes.

Darwin Castro, a Paralympic athlete, called on the Assembly to include support for athletes with disabilities in the new Sports Law, as well as adequate infrastructure. (I)