Latin America is making strides in promoting active lifestyles, with two major events highlighting the region's commitment to health, sport, and well-being: MOVE Congress Latin America organised by SESC Amazonas and ISCA, and MOVE Week Latin America led by ISCA member Sesc São Paulo.  As global challenges call for stronger connections between physical activity, social well-being, and environmental stewardship, these initiatives showcase how local and international organisations are driving impactful change. 

From MOVE Week Latin America, a continent-wide celebration of active living, to the inspiring MOVE Congress Latin America in Brazil, both events showcast the dedication of ISCA's members in promoting sport and recreation as tools for individual and collective development.

MOVE Congress Latin America: Shaping the Future of Sport in Manaus, Brazil

On 25-27 September, the 2024 MOVE Congress Latin America took place in the Brazilian city of Manaus. Organised by SESC Amazonas and ISCA, the event attracted over 1000 participants from across the continent. With a main topic of ‘Connecting People and Regions through Sports and Leisure,’ the congress placed strong focus on the roles of sport and leisure in integration and life quality. 

Adriana Nascimento - Regional Director of Sesc Amazonas, said: "It was a great honor to host the Move Congress Latin America in Manaus, Amazonas. We had three days of immersion in topics relevant to society, such as the transformative power of sports and the impact it can have on people's lives. We welcomed experts eager to share their knowledge, and without a doubt, everyone left the event with new perspectives on physical activity, leisure, and sports.”

This year’s Congress focused on three themes:
- Sport and the Environment: Exploring how sport can contribute to environmental awareness and sustainable development.
- The Transformative Potential of Sport: Highlighting how recreational sport can drive social change, inclusion, and empowerment.
- Sport for Individual and Collective Development: Focusing on how sport strengthens communities, improves mental health, and builds resilient societies.

“Without a doubt, hosting this congress was the moment to expand the dialogue on the importance of sport as a vector for social transformation, promoting health and well-being, and as a means of connecting different cultures and realities, connecting our region to the global scenario.”, said Dr. Aderson Frota - President of Sistema Fecomércio, Sesc, Senac Amazonas.

With free admission, the MOVE Congress Latin America featured a rich lineup of local and international speakers, alongside prominent guests who are committed to the promotion of recreational sports and physical activity. The event shone a spotlight on innovative approaches to sport as a force for good—connecting people, protecting the planet, and building a healthier future for all. 

ISCA President Mogens Kirkeby: ”MOVE Congress Latin America is a testament to the power of the grassroots sport, movement and recreation sector in the continent! Hosted brilliantly by SESC Amazonas in the heart of Brazil, we have appropriately discussed the role of the sector when it comes to climate change, but also social transformation, health and inclusion. It was a pleasure to see our members and partners in Latin America in a dynamic collaboration, and I want to extend my wholehearted thanks to SESC Amazonas for their dedication and professionalism in staging such a vibrant MOVE Congress Latin America!”.

MOVE Week Latin America: A Movement for Everyone

From 23 to 29 September, MOVE Week Latin America (known as Semana MOVE in Portuguese and Semana Mueve in Spanish) took place across multiple countries in both Central and South America. Led by ISCA member Sesc São Paulo, MOVE Week Latin America offered thousands of free grassroots sports activities to participants, ranging from organized group workouts to community-led activities in parks, public spaces, and schools. 

MOVE Week Latin America has been empowering communities since 2012 by offering free activities in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, and beyond. The goal of MOVE Week, the flagship event of the NowWeMove campaign is clear: to inspire long-lasting behavioral change toward healthier, more active lifestyles. Through the efforts of organisations in Latin America, participants are encouraged to enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of regular activity. 

Members Driving Change in Latin America

Both the MOVE Congress and MOVE Week exemplify the good work of ISCA members, who are at the forefront of promoting physical activity and well-being in their regions. ISCA Latin America moves forward thanks to the dynamic working group of partners and members from all over the continent, and with the success of MOVE Week Latin America, MOVE Congress Latin America, the recent launch of our online courses for the continent and the ISCA Latin America web site, the work is set to accelerate in the weeks and months to come.These initiatives show that Latin America is truly on the MOVE!

To support the efforts and build on the growing success of the Latin American campaign, we are happy to announce the release of the website dedicated to ISCA activities in Latin America! Visit the official website, powered by ISCA (now available in Portuguese with the Spanish version coming soon!):

https://iscalatinamerica.org/