Public policies for the promotion of paralympic sport in Latin America: a comparative analysis of 10 countries

Introduction: This article comparatively analyzes public policies for the promotion of Paralympic sport in ten Latin American countries with outstanding results in the Paralympic medal table during the last Olympic cycle: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador. From a social study of disability perspective, it examines how these countries have incorporated sport practiced by persons with disabilities into their regulatory frameworks, what support instruments they have developed, and to what extent they have built institutional mechanisms to foster access, retention, and athletic development. Methods: The study is based on a comparative documentary analysis of laws, regulations, programs, institutional plans, and official documents. Results: The results show that most countries have advanced formal recognition of the right to sport for persons with disabilities and in the creation of support instruments, especially scholarships and awards associated with high performance. However, these mechanisms are mainly concentrated on rewarding achievements already attained rather than correcting structural inequalities in access. The main gaps appear in talent identification, in the articulation of pathways for athletic progression, and in the incorporation of gender- and territory-based approaches. Discussion: The article concludes that the region has made greater progress in normative recognition and performance incentives than in consolidating comprehensive, accessible, and equitable systems. The main public policy challenge is to strengthen stable conditions for the training, continuity, and development of athletic trajectories.