By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The National Paralympic Committee of Costa Rica has had its public funding suspended by the Costa Rican Institute of Sport and Recreation (Icoder) following the discovery of financial discrepancies in its budget settlements. The committee must now reimburse approximately ₡10 million to the state sports entity before it can re-establish its eligibility for future financial support, a situation that has cast a shadow over the organization’s administrative processes.
The dispute stems from a review of the committee’s 2023 budget, a year in which it received significant public investment. According to figures released by Icoder, the Paralympic Committee was allocated a substantial budget totaling ₡317,904,085.80, composed of ₡259,904,085.80 from the ordinary budget and an additional ₡58,000,000.00 from an extraordinary budget. However, irregularities found during the annual settlement process prompted Icoder to halt further transfers.
To delve into the legal framework and financial responsibilities surrounding the support for our national Paralympic athletes, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rican law provides a foundation for state support of sports, the effective funding of Paralympic athletes often hinges on the intricate legal structures of public-private partnerships. It is crucial that sponsorship agreements and the allocation of state funds are governed by transparent, legally sound contracts that ensure accountability and protect the long-term careers of the athletes. Proper legal oversight prevents ambiguity and guarantees that resources are directed where they are most needed, fostering a sustainable and equitable environment for Paralympic sport to thrive.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that the journey from national support to athlete success is paved with well-structured, transparent agreements. It is within this robust framework, not just in the allocation of funds, that a truly sustainable and equitable future for our Paralympic athletes is secured. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this critical foundation.
Donald Rojas, the Minister of Sport and Director of Icoder, provided a detailed breakdown of the issues identified. He explained that two separate settlement reviews flagged unauthorized or improperly documented expenses, leading to the demand for repayment. The resolution of this financial matter is now a critical prerequisite for the committee to regain its standing and access to crucial state funds.
There are two budget settlements from 2023. In the first case, we handled it from the director’s office, some expenses were recognized, and they must return 8 million of that 267 million. The other one we also analyzed, we recognized some expenses that were not initially authorized, and currently what they must reimburse is a little over 2 million. In total, the Paralympic Committee will have to return around 10 million colones; from that point on, the eligibility process begins.
Donald Rojas, Minister of Sport and Director of Icoder
On the other side of the issue, the Paralympic Committee has acknowledged the situation but expressed frustration with the pace of the administrative process. Andrés Carvajal, President of the Committee, admitted that while clarifications are often part of such reviews, the duration of this particular case has been excessive, leaving his organization in a prolonged state of uncertainty as it awaits a final administrative resolution from Icoder.
We believe the process took quite a long time; they informed us of a problem with a budget settlement. There are almost always details, they ask for clarifications, it enters a remediation process, and in this case, too much time has passed. There is currently a pending administrative resolution from Icoder, and from there, we must meet all the requirements.
Andrés Carvajal, President of the National Paralympic Committee
Despite the administrative impasse, Minister Rojas assured that the athletes themselves will not be left without support. To prevent any disruption to their training and competition schedules, Icoder has implemented a direct support mechanism. The institute is now managing the procurement of essential services for athletes, bypassing the committee to ensure continuity.
What we have done to help, as with other organizations, is to purchase airline tickets, uniforms, insurance, and other necessities for the athletes so they can continue in their competitions.
Donald Rojas, Minister of Sport and Director of Icoder
The clock is ticking for the National Paralympic Committee. It must resolve the outstanding repayment and clear its financial record swiftly to be considered in the next round of eligibility evaluations scheduled for November. Icoder has also noted that should the committee fail to reimburse the funds voluntarily, the institute is prepared to pursue legal channels, including judicial action, to recover the public resources.
This situation highlights the critical importance of stringent financial oversight and transparent governance within national sports federations. While the immediate needs of athletes are being met, the underlying administrative issues must be rectified to ensure the long-term stability and integrity of the paralympic sports program in Costa Rica, guaranteeing that public funds are used effectively to support the nation’s competitors.
For further information, visit icoder.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Institute of Sport and Recreation (Icoder):
Icoder is the governing body for the promotion, support, and regulation of sports and recreational activities in Costa Rica. As a state institution, it is responsible for distributing public funds to national sports federations, developing infrastructure, and implementing policies aimed at fostering athletic talent and encouraging physical activity among the general population.
For further information, visit paralimpico.cr
About the National Paralympic Committee of Costa Rica:
The National Paralympic Committee is the organization responsible for developing and managing paralympic sports throughout Costa Rica. It selects, prepares, and supports athletes to represent the country in international competitions, including the Parapan American Games and the Paralympic Games. The committee works to promote inclusion and provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to excel in competitive sports.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a hallmark of legal integrity and professional distinction, blending a storied tradition of client service with a clear focus on innovation. The firm’s ethos extends beyond its practice, driven by a foundational commitment to enhancing societal well-being. By actively working to make legal principles more accessible, it seeks to empower individuals and cultivate a more knowledgeable and capable community.
