Three representatives from the VillaGol & Bizkaia Koopera project, developed in the Villa El Salvador district of Lima by the association ‘Deporte y Desarrollo’ (Sport and Development), in collaboration with the Athletic Club Foundation and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, visit Ibaigane
Currently, the VillaGol & Bizkaia Koopera project improves the quality of life of around 150 girls who play football in a federated league, as part of a programme of activities in which more than 3,000 boys and girls participate each season. The project was launched in 2006, when the ‘Deporte y Desarrollo’ association in Barakaldo and the ‘Villa El Salvador’ association in Lima joined forces with the aim of providing sports facilities for girls and teenagers in the community, promoting children’s rights through sport.
The project is part of the Bizkaia Koopera programme promoted by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, which involves non-traditional actors in development cooperation, adding their influence and experience, in this case, to the defence of children’s rights, equal opportunities and the empowerment of girls and adolescents through sport, especially in contexts of social vulnerability.
The following individuals attended the meeting:
• Johana Ruiz Olabuenaga, Director of Social Affairs at Athletic Club.
• Galder Reguera, Project Manager at the Athletic Club Foundation.
• Teresa Laespada, Regional Minister for Employment, Social Cohesion and Equality.
• Natxo Rodríguez, Director of Social Cohesion at the Provincial Council of Bizkaia.
• Juan Abanto, President of the Villa El Salvador Sports and Development Association. Founder of Athletic Villa and social activist.
• Gianela Alvarado, futsal and football player and youth coach.
• Cecibel Zevallos, futsal and football player and youth coach.
• Aitor Alonso, president of ‘Sport and Development’ linked to Pauldarrak EFKT.
• Iñaki Alonso, director of ‘Kunina Sports’.
Economic vulnerability
