Sports, Science and Food: FAO Commemorates World Food Day with the Harlem Globetrotters and Chef Heinz Wuth

Through a day combining sports, science and food, the Regional Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for Latin America and the Caribbean commemorated World Food Day 2026, engaging families with messages about the importance of adopting healthy habits and promoting better nutrition.

The event took place on Saturday, 24 October, at Colegio San Ignacio in downtown Santiago, with the participation of the Harlem Globetrotters, FAO Goodwill Ambassadors, and renowned chef Heinz Wuth, FAO Champion, who shared their knowledge and talents through an engaging and educational experience.

During the event, the Harlem Globetrotters brought their talent and energy to the basketball court, introducing participants to the sport and highlighting the role of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Through sports, the event sought to promote values such as teamwork, collaboration and the importance of staying active.

Meanwhile, chef Heinz Wuth invited participants to discover the science behind food, demonstrating how understanding its properties and transformations can contribute to more mindful, nutritious and healthy eating habits.

The event was part of FAO's activities to commemorate World Food Day, observed annually on 16 October. The occasion provides an opportunity to raise awareness of food security and nutrition challenges, as well as the need to advance towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

Through this initiative, the Organization sought to bring these messages closer to the public, particularly children and young people, encouraging learning about food, nutrition and well-being through participatory experiences.

The participation of the Harlem Globetrotters and chef Heinz Wuth helped connect sports, science and food, demonstrating that food and nutrition education can also take place through play, creativity and entertainment.