Colombia

La Mariposa

A climbing wall to get a whole neighborhood moving

In La Mariposa, a working-class district of Bogotá, children grow up between hills and steep alleyways. Here, most families live below the poverty line, in a daily life marked by violence, precariousness and informal work.
But in this difficult setting, one simple idea stands out: sport can open up other paths.

If we can keep even a few children away from violence through sport, then we've won.

Adriana Cortes

Social Responsibility Leader, Decathlon Colombia

A dream supported by Decathlon Colombia and Formavida

In 2023, several Decathlon teams in Bogotá decided to take local action. They met up with Formavida, an association that had been active in the neighborhood for over ten years. Its aim: to provide a safe, structured environment for children and single mothers.
This meeting gave rise to a concrete project: to build a climbing wall at the heart of the foundation.

Climbing, a different way of learning

Local youngsters are already climbing, often on the surrounding rocks, without any equipment or safety.
With the support of the Decathlon Foundation, a 90 m² climbing wall will be installed on the Formavida premises. It will welcome up to 320 children a day.
Weekly supervised sessions, adapted equipment and progressive support will enable each child to practice in good conditions. The facility will also serve as a space for exchange and collective learning, particularly for young girls.

A global approach: sport, nutrition, education

But at La Mariposa, sport is not enough. Fighting hunger, supporting young people in their professional orientation and providing an educational framework are equally essential pillars.
This is why the project also includes :

Community and family vegetable gardens run by single mothers, in conjunction with the Granitos de Paz Foundation and the Botanical Garden of Colombia.
Nutritional and mindful cooking workshops.
A corporate volunteering program, where Decathlon employees train young people in soft skills, job interviews and the company's professions.

Together, sowing the seeds of a better future

By 2027, over 900 children and young people should benefit from the project every year.
The ambition is simple: to make La Mariposa an example of a neighborhood where sport, education and solidarity move forward together.