The Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture Zone 7 announced on March 12 the continuation of its Actívate and Vamos a la Cancha services in El Oro, Loja, and Zamora Chinchipe for the 2026 period. The initiative aims to encourage social skills, physical activity, prevent sedentary lifestyles, and promote recreation among adults, seniors, and people with disabilities.
According to the ministry, these programs are designed to transform how people use their free time by promoting physical activity, sports, and recreation as ways to strengthen social bonds. Sixteen instructors—ten in Loja, four in El Oro, and two in Zamora—are responsible for leading these activities at various community locations.
Favio Villamizar, Zonal Coordinator for MINEDEC Zone 7, said: “Estamos fortaleciendo el deporte y la recreación en los diferentes sectores de la Zona 7; la idea es que más personas se sumen a estas actividades de bailoterapia y deporte, las cuales ofrecemos de manera gratuita. Como MINEDEC realizamos un trabajo interinstitucional con la finalidad de que nuestros servicios lleguen a más puntos de los cantones.”
Anita Alarcón, who participates in the Actívate service at La Tebaida linear park in Loja canton, expressed her appreciation for the government’s efforts: “Muy contentas de hacer actividad física; el Gobierno nos ayuda mucho con estos espacios que nos dan vida, que nos dan salud,” she said.
The active points operate from Monday to Friday at various times starting from 6:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. The ministry says that continuing these services consolidates public policy focused on citizen well-being through sports and recreational activities.
