INTER CAMPUS NICARAGUA, IN THE CRADLE OF SPORT

MANAGUA – The National Sports Institute is a richly fascinating place, for adults and children alike. As you reach its entrance, you see the iconic Olympic rings forged into the gate. They almost form a reminder for every sportsperson who enters, that sport is about respect, sacrifice and enjoyment.

Athletes come to train in this harmonious environment, which we too have been able to enjoy as part of our social project, with the backing of the sports ministry.

The pitch we train on is where teams from the country’s top league play; so when the pitch is in use for league games, we move over to the baseball field. We are warmly welcomed by the players, who set aside a safe spot for us. Once training is finished, we head to the stands to cheer on the Managua players, led by Wilbert, one of the Inter Campus coaches. Along with him, Arquimedes, Alexander and Cesar we are putting together a comprehensive programme, combining theory and regular practical work.

People here are fonder of boxing and baseball, so football has not yet been overwhelmed by the obsession with results, and can serve a purpose as an educational tool. It is an honour to be able to use the game as a means to help people grow, which we see as part of its true essence.

The children have approached everything with boundless energy and enthusiasm, and have got to know us well. They hug us and try to convince us to stay for longer, using any words of Italian they have picked up. As always, we promise to come back and they assure us they’ll be on their best behaviour while we are away.

We say goodbye with a smile and they know we’ll meet again, because the Inter Campus heart beats stronger than ever.

09.09.2016