Sport-Based Voluntourism in a Bolivian Orphanage

This chapter explores a 2008 sport-for-development micro project conducted at a Bolivian orphanage run by the Alalay Foundation in La Paz – one of the highest urban centres in the world. The initiative formed part of a broader Pan-American journey combining volunteerism and football coaching, aimed at supporting the physical and psycho-social development of orphaned and vulnerable children. The chapter discusses high-altitude challenges, the socio-political climate of Bolivia at the time, and critiques the concept of short-term volunteerism. It reflects on the limitations of micro projects, including the brief timeframes and fragmented delivery involved, and considers the risk of such efforts appearing performative or self-serving. In this context, the chapter analyses the extent to which the project supported the long-term developmental goals of the Alalay Foundation. It highlights the importance of contextually relevant planning, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration with local organisations. The role of NGOs in addressing systemic poverty and marginalisation is also examined. Final reflections consider how such micro projects can balance intention and impact whilst engaging with the broader complexities of volunteerism in sport-for-development settings. The chapter concludes with an update on Alalay&s;s restructuring and strategic partnerships with two globally recognised institutions.