In football terms, Pablo Coloma, founder and president of the Short-Stature Football Team, defined the visit of the 40-person delegation to train at the El Teniente stadium as “the kick-off” for the expansion of his organization’s inclusive project to the regions.

“Coming to this venue with our three branches is a historic day and event for our team, which has been in existence for more than 8 years and feels that one of its challenges is to reach more regions,” added Coloma.

The activity was organized as part of the Stadium Experience initiative, promoted by Codelco El Teniente and which seeks to open the Division's assets to the community as part of its Quality of Life program to provide healthy living tools to school communities, sports clubs and social organizations.

Emerson Contreras, coordinator of the Stadium Experience, explained that “in compliance with the goals and objectives that we set for ourselves in 2024, which is to include people with disabilities in our activities, today we received the delegation of the Chilean Short Stature Team, whom we want to make visible as an example of integration and sporting ability, showing the benefits of sport for physical and mental health, as well as for social integration.”

“A great opportunity for them to get to know us”

For the captain of the national team, Ignacio Córdova, the invitation is a milestone because “it is always difficult for us to go out to the regions. The issue of our national team is still quite centralized and we would like to expand it to all of Chile, so that all of Chile knows our project, knows who we are, what we do and what we are looking for.”

“ We thought it was a great opportunity to show what the national team is all about. We have been working since 2015 onwards and have participated in many international competitions. We have around 35 to 45 active players,” said Richard Lobos, the team’s coach.

During the day, the three branches of the team (junior, female and adult) toured the stadium facilities, learned about its history and then carried out physical and tactical training on the fields of the El Teniente Stadium Sports Centre.

Pablo Coloma stressed that the doors of the national team are open to everyone “without the need to have any prior knowledge of football or futsal. We invite you to get to know us, do physical activity and, of course, enjoy. It is about coming and enjoying yourself, for that you have to follow us on our Instagram, @seleccionchilenatallabaja, or write to us at [email protected]”.