For the fifth time, IAKS LAC has organized the „Continental Congress for Design and Management of Sports and Leisure Facilities”. The congress took place from 10 to 11 October 2018 at the headquarters of the Central Society of Architects of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
On each of the two days an average of 100 delegates and speakers attended the event. Professionals from 13 countries joined in, among them delegates from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, Spain, Uruguay, United Kingdom, and the USA.
The three thematic axis on which the presentations were based represent the challenges that are of the most interest in the LAC region. The first axis was dedicated to „Sustainability and new technologies in sports and recreational facilities“ and the second to „Sports and recreational facilities as a factor of social connection and inclusion“. „Security and prevention of violence in football stadiums“ was the third main stream.
The interest in the presentations and the participation of the delegates exceeded IAKS LAC’s expectations. Many participants showed their interest in the IAKS membership.
To strengthen the networking element of the event, the speakers were invited the next day to visit the main venue of the Youth Olympic Games. Buenos Aires was the host city for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games which took place from 6 to 18 October this year.
The representatives of IAKS LAC were requested to support more seminars developed in the region by different entities related to sports and recreation. IAKS LAC President Jorge Ehlers says: „We are convinced that this is a good method to extend our presence on the continent.“
The next continental congress will take place in 2020, in a location yet to be designated. The organizers are also evaluating the possibility for an earlier event in 2019.
photo credits: Silvina Castiñeira
