Armando Montañez A story that inspires through volunteering at the Sports Games
With a career marked by passion and service, volunteer Armando Montañez from Colombia joins us at the 2026 South American Youth Games in Panama. He shares that his vocation within the Olympic and Paralympic movement remains “burning and luminous,” supporting athletes as a fundamental pillar of sport.
His story dates back to his youth, when a teacher told him he would be a “leader, not a figure,” guidance that defined his path.
To this is added a key lesson from his grandmother: “never say no,” always keep learning, and be willing to serve principles that led him to train, grow professionally, and build a life dedicated to sport in different roles.
Montañez describes volunteering as “the best university in life,” emphasizing that it is not unpaid work, but an experience that enriches the spirit and shapes people.
Regarding these JSJ in Panama, he positively valued the organization, the quality of the facilities, and the focus on youth as the seed of the sporting future, although he pointed out opportunities for improvement in the inclusion of some disciplines.
Finally, he called for strengthening the culture of volunteering through education, highlighting the work carried out by Universidad Latina and inviting young people and adults to get actively involved, reminding them that these spaces not only build events, but also society, identity, and the future.
