While some have chosen the “discipline and respect” of more physical sports, such as weightlifting, karate, judo and boxing, others have opted to exercise their minds, “thinking and developing the best moves,” through activities such as chess. These are some of the disciplines available to try, organized into six broad categories: sport, recreation and leisure; educational sport; federated and grassroots sport; intergenerational sport; sport and health; and inclusive sport aimed at vulnerable groups.
The latter category has played a prominent role in this edition, with activities adapted for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. This new edition also has a special significance in this regard: to mark its 35th anniversary, Special Olympics has been given a place of honor at Street Sports Day. The organization was responsible for opening the event and lighting the torch, and it also held a flag parade through the streets of Zaragoza, starting at Plaza España and continuing along Calle Alfonso to Plaza del Pilar.
A volunteer from the organization said they would take part “in every activity they can,” although they usually have greater participation “in bocce and athletics.” The volunteer also encouraged everyone to “discover new sports” and expressed appreciation for the creation of a space for inclusion. “I think it’s great that things that should already be normal are being normalized and that visibility is being given to intellectual disabilities.”
A PARTICIPATION RECORD
This edition features 59 sports organizations, which will hold 68 workshops and sports and educational activities for people of all ages and skill levels. The city councilor responsible for sports, Félix Brocate, described these figures as “a huge success,” both in terms of participation and attendance. “There has been record participation, with many children coming with their parents and families to discover other sports they probably wouldn’t know about if they didn’t come to Plaza del Pilar,” he said happily.
For Brocate, this is simply proof that “Zaragoza breathes sport,” something that takes on particular importance given that the city will be the European capital of sport next year. “This is the starting signal to show all of Europe that Zaragoza is a city completely dedicated to sport, not only through participation, but also through the desire to discover and practice new sports,” the councilor stressed.
The various workshops will bring sports participation closer to all members of the public, also incorporating inclusive activities for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as initiatives aimed at groups that can find in sport a tool for participation, integration and social transformation.
The activities will continue in the afternoon, and those unable to attend this Saturday will still have a second chance. Street Sports Day will continue until this Sunday at Plaza del Pilar, with dozens of disciplines and workshops spread throughout the city center.
