The government of Ecuador, through the Vice Ministry of Sports, inaugurated the First International Congress on University Sports in Cuenca on March 26 and 27. The event aimed to establish Cuenca as a central location for academic sports development in Latin America.
The congress brought together authorities, specialists, and international representatives to strengthen Ecuador’s presence in both sports and academics. Organizers said the gathering reaffirms a commitment to promoting university sports as an important part of comprehensive development.
The event was organized by Universidad del Azuay with support from the Ecuadorian Federation of University and Polytechnic Sports (FEDUP). It marked the country’s first international meeting focused exclusively on university sports. Nearly 500 participants—including students, coaches, teachers, athletes, and officials—took part in an academic program centered on innovation, sports management, and expanding the sector internationally.
Roberto Ibáñez, Vice Minister of Sports, led the inauguration ceremony. “This is a unique act of learning, exchanging experiences and growing alongside experts in sports management from across the region. It is gratifying that Ecuador is hosting a congress like this,” Ibáñez said.
International guests included Alim Maluf Neto (president of FISU America), Luciano Cabral (vice president of FISU World), and Emiliano Ojeda (president of Argentina’s University Sports Federation). They all agreed on the importance of regional cooperation and sharing best practices among countries.
Organizers say that with this congress Ecuador takes a significant step toward making university sport a strategic pillar for national development while positioning Cuenca as a regional leader.
