I returned to Mexico just weeks after our previous program in the hopes to return to some kind of normalcy with regular travel. I was excited to go back to Mexico, particularly to Cancún, which is more than just a vacation destination. When you leave the hotel strip, it is clear the differences between the downtown and that isolated area. The socioeconomic standing of the hotel area is significantly higher than the downtown, so these kids are exposed to extreme poverty, violence, trafficking, and exploitation. It is important for them to know there is an outlet from these dangers: soccer. 

Cancún Pro-Kids is a children’s home and school in Cancún, Mexico, located on the Yúcatan peninsula. Even in September, it was extremely hot. The sun scorched everything it could find: the ground, my skin, the buildings. Before the program began, I had to pump up about 20 soccer balls with the maintenance worker from the organization, which required both of us to stand in the hot sun. I was drenched in sweat and I hadn’t even moved yet. This was a sign this program was going to be a bit of a challenge. 

Despite the heat, all of the kids wore masks and kept their distance. Fortunately, the kids were able to directly interact with each other because they live in close quarters in the shelter. This meant we could do contact and team games instead of just individual ball skills, despite beginning the program in socially-distant grids out of precaution.

The participants were very energetic and enthusiastic to have this program, as they have not been able to have a guest or travel outside of their shelter for some time now. Having a guest was a big deal and a missing piece of their lives since the beginning of the pandemic. 

During the activities, I saw something remarkable. One of the beneficiaries used a walker to aid her as she walked and moved. She wanted to fully participate in the program, so she found a way to use her walker to dribble the ball and participate in relay races. We worked together to make the program as fun and accessible to her. It was great to see her learning all of these skills and practicing with the group.

After the program, the kids brought me a snack as well as some cake. It was fun to share a meal and relax while talking about everything under the sun: soccer, music, movies, etc. From Becky G to the Avengers, they really put my pop culture knowledge to the test! 

I hope these kids enjoyed our program and I look forward to seeing what they do with these new skills in the future. As the world stays cautious, I am determined to do what I can to provide kids a fun experience amid a global pandemic.