Yasmani Acosta's questioning after the parliamentary idea to eliminate the Mindep: Sport changes lives

Yasmani Acosta, the Olympic silver medalist from Paris 2024, has sparked a powerful debate over the future of sports in Chile after responding to calls to eliminate the Ministry of Sport. The controversy emerged following remarks by Juan Antonio Urzúa, secretary of the National Libertarian Party (PNL), who claimed the ministry was “useless.” In response, Acosta took to his Instagram account to deliver a passionate message questioning the decision, emphasizing the vital role of sport in society. In a post that quickly gained traction, Acosta began with a personal reflection: “Today I don’t want to speak as an athlete, I want to speak as a Chilean. Today I woke up with news that saddens and worries me: they want to close the Ministry of Sport in Chile. Are we still thinking that sport is just a hobby?” He went on to highlight how sport represents much more than leisure, describing it as work, discipline, health, education, opportunity, and a path to a better future. Acosta pointed out the sacrifices made by athletes, including years of dedication, physical risks, and the uncertainty of life after their careers. Despite these challenges, he noted that Chileans continue to achieve great things through sport. “Even though we end our careers without knowing what comes next, we keep putting Chile’s name at the top,” he wrote. The former champion also detailed his ongoing efforts to create sports academies for vulnerable children and youth, particularly in areas with fewer opportunities. “But there is something far more important than a medal: Sport changes lives. That is why I am pushing a project to establish sports talent schools for children and young people in need,” he explained. He described his vision for these centers: “I want a child who today is at risk of ending up on the streets to find a gym, a tatami, a track, or a pool. I want them to discover discipline, friends, dreams, and a chance to build a different future.” Acosta emphasized that investing in sport is an investment in the country’s future. “I want more children doing sports, more families involved, more sporting culture, and more champions representing Chile. But if one day we manage to win more medals, they will be nothing more than a consequence,” he stated. He continued by highlighting the unifying power of sport, saying, “The true medal will be taking thousands of children off bad paths and showing them that their origin does not determine their future. Sport has something that few things can achieve: it brings us together. It doesn’t matter whom we vote for, our skin color, our social condition, or our differences. When a Chilean represents Chile, all of us are Chile.” Acosta concluded with a call to action, urging others to share his message and recognize the importance of supporting sport. “That is why I make a call to everyone: let us not allow sport to be seen as an expense. Investing in sport is investing in our children, our families, our health, our security, and the future of our country,” he wrote. “I want to see sport change lives. If you believe that sport changes lives, share this message. Let it reach every corner of Chile,” he ended.