Jamaica Paralympic Association President Christopher Samuda says sport cannot flourish without investment in world-class infrastructure, describing modern facilities as the foundation of athlete development, sport tourism and a sustainable sports industry.

Speaking in his capacity as vice-president of the Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC), Samuda stressed that infrastructure must form a central pillar of every nation’s sports strategy, with governments, sporting organisations and private sector stakeholders working together to build facilities that develop talent and drive economic growth through sport.

His remarks come as Colombia showcases the benefits of that approach during the 2026 Para South American Games, which is currently ongoing in Valledupar. The municipality invested more than 17 billion Colombian pesos to refurbish nine sporting venues, creating facilities not only for the regional championships but also a lasting legacy for future generations of Colombian Paralympic and Olympic athletes.

“Infrastructure investment is capitalising sport development and it is a critical element of a country’s national strategy to create a sport industry of which sport tourism must be a commercial driver. A multi-skilled body of stakeholders, engaging in broad-based strategic policymaking and execution, must drive the process,” Samuda said.

AmPC executives and members of the Games technical team first witnessed the ambitious redevelopment programme during a visit to Valledupar in October 2024. Nearly two years later, that vision has become reality, with the upgraded venues serving as the centrepiece of the Games and reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as one of Colombia’s emerging sporting destinations.

“Facilities are cornerstones of performance optimisation of athletes and the architecture of sport. A swimmer’s aspirations will drown without investment in a pool. Sport thrives in the wake of facilities built and maintained for talent and generational success,” Samuda noted, adding that sport has evolved into a global multi-trillion-dollar commercial and human talent enterprise.

Valledupar has strengthened its credentials as a premier host city after staging the 2022 Bolivarian Games and now welcoming the 2026 Para South American Games. Approximately 21 hotels and three country residences are accommodating athletes, technical officials, judges and executives, highlighting the city’s growing capacity to host major international sporting events.