Conditions and perspectives for the management and planning of sporting, recreational, and physical activities in La Guajira, Colombia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.118799

Keywords:

physical activity, sports venues, sports management, territorial planning

Abstract

Introduction. The management and planning of sports, recreational, and physical activity venues are key to ensuring equitable access to sports practice and promoting active lifestyles, especially in territories with pronounced socio-spatial inequalities, such as the department of La Guajira.

Objective. The purpose of this study is to analyze the conditions under which sports, recreational, and physical activity venues are planned and managed in La Guajira, based on territorial distribution, physical condition, dimensions of use, and relationship with the existing sports organization.

Methodology. A quantitative and descriptive study was conducted based on the analysis of secondary data from institutional records on sports venues and clubs. Descriptive statistical techniques were used, employing absolute frequencies, percentages, and the stage/club ratio, and the results were organized by geographical areas and sports disciplines.

Results. The findings revealed an uneven territorial distribution of such settings, with a greater concentration in the department's middle and lower zones. Considerable differences were identified in sufficiency levels across sports disciplines, as well as functional mismatches between the number of available venues and the number of registered clubs. Furthermore, variations were observed in the physical state of the scenarios associated with the predominant use dimension.

Discussion. These results coincided with previous research, which indicates that the provision of sports infrastructure responds to territorial and organizational dynamics, rather than to homogeneous planning and equity criteria.

Conclusions. Planning sports venues in La Guajira requires a comprehensive approach that articulates territorial, functional, and organizational criteria to move toward more equitable and socially sustainable management models.

Author Biography

  • Jesús González Ortega, Universidad de La Guajira

    - Licenciado en Cultura Física
    - Magíster en metodología del Entrenamiento Deportivo

    - Candidato a Doctor en Ciencias y Tecnologias aplicadas a la Actividad Física y el Deporte   

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Published

01-05-2026

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

López Hernández, R., & González Ortega, J. (2026). Conditions and perspectives for the management and planning of sporting, recreational, and physical activities in La Guajira, Colombia. Retos, 78, 593-606. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.118799