The Consell d’Eivissa held today the first Olympics of Equality, an initiative organized by the Department of Sports in collaboration with Gesto Deportivo, the IES Xarc and the City Council of Santa Eulària des Riu. The day, which took place between the IES Xarc and the Palau de Congressos, has sought to generate reflection and concrete proposals to move towards greater gender equality in school sports on the island.
Equality, central axis of the program “Nena i Esport”.
During the meeting, the Councilor for Sports, Salvador Losa, stressed that this first edition “represents the essence of the values we defend: effort, respect, coexistence and equality”. Losa thanked the involvement of teachers, students and all the people who have made possible a day “so necessary”, stressing that “when sport educates, it transforms”.
The Equality Olympiad is part of the “Nena i Esport” program , promoted by the Consell d’Eivissa to promote the participation of girls in grassroots sports and reduce the gender gap that still persists in many disciplines.
Workshops, moral dilemmas and sports references
The activities began early in the morning at IES Xarc with an institutional reception for teachers and a non-sexist gymkhana designed by high school students. There were also yoga workshops, exhibitions and contests created by the students.
Later, the Palau de Congressos hosted the official opening, the presentation of the “Nena i Esport” program, the resolution of moral dilemmas and a meeting with young archery athletes, who shared their experience on discipline, perseverance and self-improvement.
One of the most relevant moments was the discussion around real situations raised by the students, such as cases of harassment of a female referee or derogatory comments towards female players. These examples showed the need to continue educating in respect and combating gender stereotypes from an early age.
The fundamental role of families in sports education
During the conference, the essential role of families in the emotional management of the youngest sportswomen was also highlighted. The active participation of fathers, mothers, students and teachers made it possible to analyze how the environment influences the confidence, self-esteem and continuity of girls in the practice of sports.
The workshops and spaces for reflection demonstrated that sport not only fosters physical skills, but is also a decisive tool for transmitting values such as self-discipline, self-control and overcoming adversity.
Three job courses to bridge the gender gap
The celebration of this first Olympiad comes after three school years developing the “Nena i Esport” program, in which 32 primary and secondary schools have participated. IES Xarc was selected as the venue for the quality of its pedagogical project and the involvement of its teaching staff.
Over the years, the Consell has organized world cafés, round tables, comic contests, olympics and multiple activities designed to break the gender gap in sports. Today’s event is a new milestone in this line of work, which seeks to consolidate itself as a reference in equality and grassroots sport in Ibiza.
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