Sports: the global language

Guatemala is aiming high

Workshop of the World Association

Together with his colleague Adriana Lopez, Scheer regularly directs athletics workshops in Guatemala City, sponsored by the IAAF Kids Athletics organisation. In the last decade, more than 1.5 million children have participated in the workshops in 100 countries.

Guatemala is aiming high

More than 5,000 children trained

Oliver Scheer has already given nearly 70 seminars within two years in Guatemala City, with more than 5,000 children taking part. The aim of the events are to convey athletics techniques and discover talent - with the propsect of an Olympic bid in 2028 or 2032.

Guatemala is aiming high

From trash to sports equipment

If professional sports equipment is not available or too expensive, people have to improvize. Together with Scheer, social workers build sports equipment for athletics events from garbage. And the kids want to help too.

Guatemala is aiming high

Hope in a deprived area

In "Zone 21" area of Guatemala City, violence and gang warfare dominates people's everyday lives. Many children say that it is even too dangerous to play here. A "Mini-Atletismo" event organised by the city guides gives the children a new perspective on life.

Guatemala is aiming high

Fun instead of crime

Guatemala has one of the highest murder rates in the world, even 13-year olds are recruited to kill. It is all the more imporant, according to the social workers, that children are shown the ways of "Zone 21" through sport. And the fun is clearly not lacking here.

Guatemala is aiming high

Training at 5:30

Guatemala City has a traffic problem: even rush-hour no longer exists. Therefore, to avoid the issues, the athletes are already training at 5:30am. The national stadium, named after the Guatemalan Boston marathon winner from 1952, Mateo Flores, offers the best conditions.

Guatemala is aiming high

From nowhere to silver

Erick Barrondo has achieved what many compatriots can only dream of: from being very poor, the walker has become a star in the country. His silver medal in the 2012 London Olympic Games is so far the only Olympic medal Guatemala has won.

Guatemala is aiming high

"We believe in ourselves"

The head of the National Olympic Committee, Gerado Aguirre, the sport in Guatemala looks to be on the right track. "Since the silver medal of Erick Barrondo, the mood is different. Each of us can celebrate our success and it makes us believe in ourselves."

Guatemala is aiming high

Guatemala wants to be in the medals table

Guatemala will win another medal in Rio or Tokyo says Aguirre. Endurance events are where the athletes should do best.

Author: Joscha Weber / apc