SECAUCUS, NJ - Under the "Soccer for Kids - Breaking Borders" program, implemented by the New York Red Bulls in conjunction with the New York Police Department Soccer Team, a delegation from both entities will travel to Colombia from May 20-27 and hold soccer clinics and bring underprivileged children from different schools 200 soccer balls and over 1,000 Red Bulls t-shirts and gear. Through this delegation of goodwill and donation, the movement's goal is to send a positive message that reflects the way in which the sport of soccer can help individuals achieve a better standard of living, showing that nothing is impossible with the joint efforts of both countries.
This trip will take place in the cities of Pereira, Manizales, Armenia and Santa Rosa. In Manizales, the delegation will visit the schools, Fe y Alegria, José María Vargas Vila and Santa Clara. The delegation will also have the opportunity to visit the school, Pedro José Rivera, the alma mater of Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
"I'm excited about this project which started some time ago with Dino Dominguez, Miguel Cuellar, and other soccer figures in the City of New York," said Ernesto Motta, Senior Director of Communications and Hispanic Affairs for the New York Red Bulls. "It was very successful in Ecuador, a country we had the opportunity to visit last year. Our goal is to continue to visit countries in South and Central America, allowing us to be in contact with children, and hope that this modest donation could be a message that would bring smiles to their faces, and become something very positive in their lives."
"I am very glad that this group can visit the school in which I began my studies," Osorio said. "I have great memories of it. I am very grateful to the NYPD Soccer Team and the Red Bulls for this wonderful initiative to help those that need help the most."
This event also has the backing of the Embassy of the United States of America in Bogota, Colombia. "We are very pleased to work with the NYPD/Red Bulls Soccer clinic for children with limited resources in Colombia. I am certain that this important and valued program will bring much joy to these children," said Mark Wentworth, Public Affairs Officer of the diplomatic representation.
The NYPD Soccer Team will take part in several friendly matches to establish closer ties with their Colombian counterparts, who have received the program with great enthusiasm and are working hard to ensure that this campaign is successful.
"We are very happy to be part of this program with the Red Bulls, to share this new experience and deliver a significant donation," said NYPD said Lt. Ronald Mejia. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that the Colombian children fully enjoy the clinics and the time we spend with them."
"I am very pleased that these New York City police officers, on their own time and with their own resources, are traveling to my home country to bring this donation to these children in need," said Red Bulls captain Juan Pablo Angel, a native of Medellin, Colombia.
