Selected as ESPN’s third community to receive a sports court dedication, Chimalhuacán in Transportistas Mexico City, saw hundreds of people come together on Nov. 22 for the official opening of the new space built for the community and its residents. The global project was led by ESPN and community organizations love.fútbol, A Ganar, Deportivo Don Bosco and Street Soccer Mexico.
“At ESPN we believe sports has the ability to transform lives. We are privileged to work with the community here in Chimalhuacán and hope this space brings a positive impact to their lives,” said Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks, and ESPN President John Skipper.
Amidst dance performances, music and soccer matches, the event’s hosts, ESPN Mexico talent Miroslava Montemayor and John Sutcliffe, joined Skipper and other senior leaders from ESPN including Executive Vice President and Managing Director, ESPN International Russell Wolff; ESPN President, Global Sales & Marketing Ed Erhardt; and Vice President and General Manager, Latin America North Gerardo Casanova; along with representatives from the local municipality, community volunteers, residents and their families and ESPN employees, to help dedicate the space.
The community of Transportistas in Chimalhuacán – carefully selected based on need, population, and socio-economic status – will see sports and play opportunities renewed by the addition of this safe space. Located in a highly populated area that has high instances of violence, the space is the only active public place dedicated to sports in the surrounding neighborhood.
“Together we have the ability to play an important role in developing our beautiful city and this court is a testament to that,” Casanova said. “It is important that we contribute to our future and to that of the children that play, grow and develop here.”
The court and surrounding area, which includes a new KaBOOM! playground donated by Disney were built and beautified with the help of community residents and ESPN employees. The space will be the home to ongoing programs for young people in the community where they will learn job skills and be empowered to fulfill their potential through the power of sports.
