On 15 January, El Salvador’s capital city San Salvador hosted an introductory para teqball event for a group of amputee football players, showcasing the sport’s inclusivity and FITEQ’s commitment to supporting the growth of parasport.

Para athletes from amputee football club Peña Betica de Fubolistas Amputados attended the event and took part in a series of para teqball training drills and friendly match play. Peña Betica de Fubolistas Amputados is sponsored by Spanish La Liga team Real Betis, as part of its programme of international aid for sports organisations.

As part of the objective to continue to grow teqball and para teqball in El Salvador and make the sport available to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, the mixed gender event saw 10 para athletes playing para teqball for the first time, with activities taking place on three Teq Lite tables to ensure maximum playing time for all.

Roberto Iglesias, who led the organisation of the event, said: “For all the participants at the event, sport has acted as a release from difficult periods of their lives, with many losing limbs tragically due to traffic accidents. As a result of this event, many of the para athletes were able to engage with a new sport, and understand the exciting opportunities to represent their country in the future."

“As the athletes had only previously seen videos of para teqball, they were all very excited and impressed by the equipment being used and the enjoyment the sport offers. Para teqball is clear evidence that sport and para sport has no limits. Our main aim is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience teqball and para teqball. Events like this open the door to new people and allow us to introduce the sport to people for the first time, regardless of their personal circumstances. This push for inclusivity is one of the reasons I am sure El Salvador will be very competitive in the future of teqball and para teqball.”