The Observatory for Monitoring Public Policy Compliance in Ecuadorian Sport (ODDE) claims that a network of corruption has been operating within Ecuador's sports institutions, allowing individuals without disabilities to fraudulently obtain "functional classifications" required to compete in Paralympic events. These accusations have been reported by the South American outlet Infobae, which states that this malpractice has been ongoing for several years and involves high-ranking officials in Ecuadorian sports.

According to the ODDE, this corrupt scheme dates back to at least the 2015 Toronto Parapan American Games, where Ecuador won its first gold medal in the long jump. That victory is now under heavy scrutiny, as allegations suggest that the athlete involved did not meet the necessary disability criteria. The ODDE has specifically named Santiago David Chango Pilataxi, the technical methodological director of the Ecuadorian Paralympic Committee, and Walter Oswaldo Haro Ruiz, his counterpart at the Ecuadorian Federation of Sports for People with Intellectual Disabilities (FEDEDI), as the primary figures behind this alleged scheme.

Edison Mendoza, coordinator of the ODDE, expressed deep concern over these revelations, saying, "This is a betrayal of the values that the Paralympic movement stands for. It’s not just a violation of the rules; it’s a deep affront to the athletes who have fought to compete on equal terms." Mendoza emphasised that this corruption has severely undermined the integrity of Ecuadorian sport and called for immediate action to address the issue.

The scandal intensified when, on 23 August, a coach from the Ecuadorian Paralympic team anonymously disclosed on the national TV channel Teleamazonas that some of the athletes representing Ecuador at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games do not have the disabilities they claim. "The selected athletes, who should have intellectual disabilities to participate in the Games, do not have them," the coach stated. He also pointed out that several of these athletes possess type B driving licences, which are typically reserved for non-disabled individuals. "How did they get these licences if they are supposed to have significant disabilities? Something doesn’t add up here," the coach added.

In response to these allegations, Patricia León, the current president of the Ecuadorian Paralympic Committee, has firmly denied any wrongdoing. "The selection process is rigorous and conducted at an international level. The fact that someone has a Conadis card or special licence does not guarantee participation," León explained. She stressed that the final decision on an athlete’s classification is made by independent international classifiers, not by the national committee. "All athletes undergo stringent international scrutiny before they are allowed to compete," she said, defending the integrity of the process.

However, the ODDE remains resolute in its accusations, insisting that there is substantial evidence supporting their claims. According to Mendoza, the observatory has obtained official documents and testimonies that reveal a systematic effort to infiltrate Paralympic competitions with non-disabled athletes. "These athletes were initially involved in conventional sports before being suddenly recruited into Paralympic programmes. This is not a coincidence; it’s a calculated move to exploit the system," Mendoza stated.

The accusations have raised serious concerns not only within Ecuador but also in the international Paralympic community. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has not yet issued a statement regarding the specific allegations, but there are increasing calls for a thorough investigation into the matter. Dr. Emma Garcia, a sports ethics expert at the University of Cambridge, commented on the situation, stating, "This case highlights the critical need for robust and transparent processes in the classification of athletes for Paralympic events. The integrity of the Paralympic Games depends on fair and accurate classifications."

As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games continue, the shadow of this scandal looms large over Ecuador’s participation. The ODDE is urging swift action to address these serious allegations and to restore trust in the system. "The truth must come out, and those responsible must be held accountable," Mendoza concluded.