Over 300 athletes from the provinces of San Pedro Claver (COB) and San Luis Beltrán (COM) are taking part in this big event. More than 30 participating teams share the values promoted by Don Bosco: joy and friendship. 14 departments of the country are involved in four disciplines: volleyball, indoor soccer (male and female), basketball and table tennis, reserved for students between 15 and 17 years.
On 21 August the inauguration took place, after the accreditation day of the participating teams.
About 1,000 people, including players, families, school students, Salesians, members of public enforcement, former students and collaborators admired an artistic show of theater, dance and song.
Incisive was the invitation of Fr Luis Fernando Valencia, Provincial, to rejoice in these Games in the style of Don Bosco, with joy and fraternity.
After the parade of the delegations waving flags, Jorge Arley Escobar, head of the organization of the sports festival, offered his welcoming address.
Central theme of the inauguration: "the seasons": through Don Bosco, represented by a child, the story culminated with the official opening of the Games.
In the Memoirs of the Oratory we find thoughts of Don Bosco on the matter: "I created myself with all the games possible: horse, swings, sticks, gymnastics". For this saint of youth, sport was an essential part of the educational project. He made the courtyard a close and spontaneous meeting place, suitable for personal relationships and friendship.
The "Salesian National Games", gathering hundreds of young people, will surely remember the Pope's voice: "With sport, build the culture of the encounter between everyone, for a world of peace."
