In the sporting world, Colombia – and Latin America more generally – is traditionally associated with football. However, rugby has been gaining prominence in the region due to increased exposure to sporting alternatives and sports diplomacy. Fundación Buen Punto is an organization that goes beyond the field to promote shared values in post-conflict communities.
Rugby made its way to Latin America in the 1970s through expatriates from England, France, and Argentina. These expats organized Colombia’s first rugby training and games. The sport, although originally considered a novelty in a region dominated by football, has become increasingly popular. The President of the Colombian Rugby Federation stated that there are currently 19,000 rugby players in the country, with a significant number being women and youth.
Fundación Buen Punto is a non-profit organization that teaches rugby and surfing in former conflict areas. Founded in 2014, the organization aims to teach skills and values to vulnerable children and young adults who may face exclusion from society due to limited resources or disabilities. Through community engagement, the foundation builds relationships and provides new opportunities for the youth. They fundraise to offer their programs to other groups and organize sports events and trips.
The foundation’s approach to teaching rugby and surfing is adapted from Brighton University’s non-profit Football 4 Peace International program. The focus is on instilling values in disadvantaged young people and encouraging them to direct themselves in the game. The sports sessions emphasize cognitive skills and group support, aiming to support the participants’ learning and applying it to other areas of their lives.
In July 2019, Fundación Buen Punto brought professors from Rugby 4 Peace to Colombia to provide support to the communities they work with. They conducted a training event for coaches and teachers to share the methodology with others who engage with young people. The foundation works with the support of institutions such as Coldeportes and the Ministry of Sport to provide comprehensive training and guidance to the participants.
Rugby is chosen as the sport for the program because it helps eliminate divisions, rivalries, and classism that are often associated with football in Colombia. It is a lesser-known and less glamorous sport, making it more accessible to people from different backgrounds.
There are various ways to support Fundación Buen Punto, including volunteering time, expertise, or donating equipment or clothing. Biz Latin Hub is backing the foundation and its work in supporting young people and communities. Recent attendees from Biz Latin Hub connected with the participants and organizers of the Rugby 4 Peace program.
Please note that the information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. It is important to consult a professional for specific situations.
