Julio César Ávila, Colombian and President of the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC), visited Chile to participate in the launch of the Chile 2025 Youth Parapan American Games and the first Pan American athletes’ forum. These events will mark a milestone in the development of Paralympic sports in the region. With a career dedicated to promoting inclusion through sports, Ávila has been a key figure in creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities across the continent.
Julio César Ávila, colombiano y presidente del Comité Paralímpico de las Américas (AMPC), visitó Chile para participar en el Lanzamiento de los Juegos Parapanamericanos Juveniles Chile 2025 y en el Primer Foro de Atletas Panamericanos, eventos que marcarán un hito en el desarrollo del deporte paralímpico en la región. Con una trayectoria dedicada a impulsar la inclusión a través del deporte, Ávila ha sido una figura clave en la promoción de oportunidades para atletas con discapacidad en todo el continente.
The Youth Parapan American Games not only represent a high-level competition but also serve as a fundamental platform for the development of young Para athletes. For them, this event is the first major step towards a professional career, the start of the Paralympic cycle, and an opportunity to transform the perception of disability in society. In this interview, Ávila shares his vision on the impact of Chile 2025, the importance of inclusion in sports, and the legacy he hopes to leave for future generations.
Why are the Santiago 2025 Youth Parapan American Games such a relevant event for the development of Paralympic sports in the Americas?
The Chile 2025 Youth Parapan American Games mark the starting point towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. However, beyond that, they represent the beginning of the professional careers of our future Para athletes. This event not only highlights the youth's effort and talent but also shows the continuous development, passion, and growth of Paralympic sports in our region.
What are your expectations regarding the organization of the event in Chile, and what impact do you expect it to have on the community?
Chile already demonstrated its great organizational capacity and impressive power to attract crowds in 2023. The packed venues and the energy of the public were unforgettable. We are confident that the same magic will be repeated. We hope that both Chileans and visitors will enjoy and feel proud of the talent and dedication of our Para athletes.
How can these Games influence the development of young Para athletes and the promotion of inclusion in society?
For many young people, this will be their first major high-performance experience. Representing their countries and proudly wearing their flags' colors will be a transformative experience. These types of events not only strengthen their athletic aspirations but also inspire the world.
From a social perspective, it's an invaluable opportunity to shift paradigms regarding disability. When a country opens its doors to such an event, it sends a powerful message: that people with disabilities do not need charity, but rather opportunities to demonstrate their worth and abilities.
What message would you give the Chilean public to encourage them to join and support this competition?
The invitation is for all Chileans who were excited by Santiago 2023: in October, you have the chance to relive that emotion. Don't miss the experience of seeing how Paralympic sports transcend barriers and teach us that when there is inclusion, disability ceases to be a limitation.
And, especially, we call on children and young people: just as young Para athletes are the future of sports, you are the future of Chile. Come meet them, cheer them on, let yourselves be inspired. You'll be at home, in your stadiums. Don't miss this opportunity!
What legacy do you hope Santiago 2025 will leave for the youth Paralympic movement in the region?
The most valuable legacy will be a change in perception about disability. That more and more countries recognize the power of Paralympic sports as a tool for social inclusion. For spaces where people with disabilities find real opportunities to grow, share, and shine alongside all of society multiply.
What motivates you, and what intimate aspect of your personal story inspires you to hold this role?
My greatest motivation is to bring hope and opportunities through Paralympic sports. I have traveled to places where children with disabilities have lived in isolation for years. Witnessing how sports transform their lives, those of their families, and communities, is a deeply moving experience. Being a witness to that change is what drives me every day to continue working.
What differences, beyond physical challenges, do you see between an Olympic and a Paralympic athlete?
There are no substantial differences. Both must strive, have discipline, perseverance, and determination to achieve high performance. Perhaps Olympic sports have greater visibility, but I am convinced that Paralympic sports will continue to grow and gain the recognition they deserve. Our Para athletes have the same level of commitment, passion, and talent.
The words of the APC President reflect the fundamental challenge facing modern society: recognizing and valuing human diversity as a strength. "If society focuses on the human being and not on their disability, we will stop talking about limitations and start talking about people who move or see differently," he states.
Chile 2025 will be more than a competition; it will be a space to inspire, educate, and transform the perception of disability through sports. As Ávila rightly points out, the challenge is not just for athletes or organizations but for all of society. Building a more inclusive world begins with creating real opportunities where everyone can coexist, develop, and demonstrate their true potential.