The Esmirna Sports Para Dance Club, based in Cuautla, faces one of the biggest challenges in its history: raising the necessary funds to undertake its first international tour and represent Morelos in Costa Rica.
The delegation, comprised of 12 athletes and coaches, was invited to participate in an eight-day tour of San José, Costa Rica, where they will conduct workshops, give lectures, and perform exhibitions with the goal of promoting sports para dance and strengthening ties with organizations in the Central American country.
However, with three weeks until the scheduled departure date, the team has not yet raised even half of the budget needed to cover transportation, lodging, and other expenses for the trip.
The coach and head of the club, Laura Domínguez Toledano, explained that, despite the efforts made in recent months, the financial resources are still insufficient to guarantee the participation of the entire delegation.
The project, which originated in Cuautla, has become a state and national benchmark, integrating athletes from municipalities such as Yautepec, Emiliano Zapata, Coatlán del Río, Jantetelco, and Yecapixtla, and achieving significant results in First Division competitions and the National Paralympic Games.
“We truly understand the nature of this project, and it has been sustained and supported by volunteers, the people, the community,” the coach stated.
Faced with a lack of funding, the club members have intensified their fundraising efforts. They are currently organizing charity classes, participating in sporting and cultural events, and collecting donations during basketball finals, soccer games, and other large gatherings, hoping to garner public support.
These efforts aim to raise the remaining funds before their departure, scheduled for August, when they will represent Morelos and Mexico in this important international competition.
Despite the economic uncertainty, the athletes are maintaining their training and continuing to practice daily while participating in fundraising campaigns.
The delegation is made up of several national multi-medalists, who consider this invitation a historic step for Morelos sports parade, as it would mark the first international appearance of Club Esmirna and open the door to future competitions in other countries.
The coach is confident that the community’s support will allow them to raise the remaining funds and make this trip a reality. This trip not only represents an achievement for the team, but also an opportunity to showcase Morelos’ talent and promote sports inclusion abroad.
Source: oem
