Rafa Nadal Foundation attends the 3rd Deporte en Positivo Congress

Rosa María Molina, Director of the Fundación Rafa Nadal Centre in Madrid, took part in the 3rd Deporte en Positivo Congress, organised by AS and held in Madrid. The event brought together athletes, institutional representatives and experts to reflect on the role of sport as a driver of inspiration, learning, wellbeing and social cohesion.

Under an idea that captures the spirit of the event — “sport’s greatest victory is that no one is left behind” — the congress highlighted the ability of sport to create opportunities, promote values and help build a more inclusive society.

The event was opened by José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, President of the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD), who defended sport as a right and highlighted its inclusive dimension, as well as its ability to generate employment, act as a tool for diplomacy and promote values. Among these, he placed particular emphasis on respect, understood as a horizontal value towards the rules, teammates and opponents.

This vision is directly connected to the work carried out by the Fundación Rafa Nadal through its centres and programmes, where sport is used as an educational and support tool to contribute to the holistic development of children, young people and their families.

Throughout the congress, a number of personal stories and experiences highlighted the different dimensions of sport and its impact on people.

Rally driver Cristina Gutiérrez, the second woman to win the Dakar Rally, spoke about the challenges athletes face in remaining at the highest level and the importance of having the support needed to sustain a sporting career. Athlete Blanca Hervás also shared her personal experience and spoke about how important it was for her to find a supportive environment that could help her regain her confidence.

The event also paid tribute to pioneering women such as María Ángeles Pérez ‘Quilla’ and Carmen Arce ‘Kubalita’, who took part in the first match played by the Spanish women’s national football team in 1971. Their story recalled how access to sport has not always been guaranteed for everyone, and how many of the advances achieved today are also the result of those who paved the way.

One of the moments particularly connected to inclusion was the conversation featuring Sergio Olmo, Roberto Chinchilla and producer Luis Manso, who announced a third instalment of the film Campeones, which will feature children and teenagers with different disabilities. It is another example of how sport can become a space to showcase abilities, break down barriers and transform perceptions.

The role of sport for people with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders was also discussed by Juanjo and Joan Querol. They highlighted the importance of sport as a routine and a tool for wellbeing, as well as the need to adapt environments and support each person according to their individual needs.

For the Rafa Nadal Foundation, taking part in events such as this represents an opportunity to share experiences and learn from other initiatives working to make sport an increasingly accessible and inclusive space.

At the Rafa Nadal Foundation Centres, sport is part of a methodology that combines sport, education and psychosocial support, providing personalised support to children, young people and their families.

Because sport is not only about competition. It is also a tool to learn, connect with others, build confidence, overcome challenges and discover new abilities.

And, above all, it should be a safe space where everyone has the opportunity to take part and feel that they belong.