Children from the ‘Deporvida’ program lived a magical afternoon, alongside college basketball players from the United States

• The Pan American University Games (FISU America Games), held in Cali, culminated with great success, leaving a legacy of sport and competitiveness among the participating countries.

Santiago de Cali, November 15, 2024

“I’m not sleeping today”. These were the words of Matías Torres, basketball athlete of the program ‘Deporvida’from the District Sports and Recreation Secretariat, after attending his usual class in the main park of Cienpalos and find the surprise of seeing and sharing with the players of the United States university team, which competed in the Pan American University Games (FISU America Games).

Just like Matías, 89 more children They were happy that afternoon. Juan Fernando Calero, the basketball coach at this point of care and who has worked in the Secretariat for more than 10 years as a sports professional, was in charge of organizing the surprise for his team and making this an unforgettable meeting in the Commune. 9. “Having the players from the national team of a country that is a world reference in basketball and that they were giving us training with their technique and methodology, was something very important”considered.

He said that the Americans, who finished as champions in the FISU America Games, They taught them about the game and, above all, they shared values ​​and being grateful to God. “The children told me that it seemed like a dream to them, because they did not believe that players from the United States were in our city and that, furthermore, they would arrive at a park, in a neighborhood. “It’s something you don’t see every day.”highlighted Professor Calero.

The program ‘Deporvida’ It has a positive impact on 510 service points and 345 scenarios, with 18 sports disciplines in the 22 communes and 15 townships of the District. Its objective is to take advantage of the free time of children and young people through the development of social and community sports, combining the technical with the psychosocial.

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• “Everything was very good, very interactive; the very cool boys; difficult exercises, but I learned a lot and I think I improved my technique”shared Rocío Salomé Biches, 15 years old.
• “I’m not sleeping today. I am very grateful to Professor Calero and to the USA team. I thought it was spectacular; Thanks to the teacher and everyone who is part of the United States team”said Matías Torres, 14 years old.
• “I am super happy because I have never had an experience like this with someone from abroad. I learned a lot more and the techniques were greatly improved. “You could learn more with the American coaches”said María Lizeth Quintero Gómez, 13 years old.
• “Very happy with the reception of the children, for so much kindness and gratitude. We arrived at the FISU competition, we wanted to share and have this recreation with the children. “We are happy with this”said Zack Arington, manager of the US university basketball team.

Some details of the ‘FISU America Games’

Los Pan American University Games (FISU America Games) They culminated with great success, leaving a legacy of sport and competitiveness among the participating countries.

At the event, which brought together young university athletes from the continent, Brazil stood out as the great champion with an impressive total of 106 medals, 60 of which were gold.

Secondly, Colombia demonstrated a great competitive level, surpassing powers such as the United States and Mexico, by obtaining 110 medals: 39 gold, 40 silver and 31 bronze. Meanwhile, Mexico ranked third in the medal table with 32 gold, 37 silver and 31 bronze.

Communications Secretary of Sports and Recreation of Cali