Celebrating its 5th year, Camp Castillo was once again held at the CREA Sports Field in Tijuana, Mexico. Hosted by the San Diego Chargers' Luis Castillo, the camp's objective is to motivate middle and high school students who have met the improved academic and citizenship goals set by their teachers and administrators. The camp is designed to promote personal health and wellness through teamwork and discipline, all of which lead to increased levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. Of course, all this is done while having FUN!
We are particularly pleased with the success of Camp Castillo 2008 in light of the tremendous challenge we faced when we lost our media partner of 4 years just days before the camp was scheduled. We are incredibly fortunate that TV Azteca stepped in and offered their support at such a crucial time. It was through their backing, as well as that of several individuals who worked tirelessly day and night in preparation, that the camp was able to take place. According to one of the organizers, "Casualmente fui invitada para participar en este evento, sin imaginarme lo especial que seria. Con la disposición de TV AZTECA, de Directivos de algunas Instituciones Educativas de mi Estado, gracias a el C.P. Miguel Angel Juncal, a Angel Maldonado y a los muchachos del equipo de futbol de la preparatoria CBtis #155 que fueron punto clave para la realización de las actividades durante el campamento Castillo, a los niños y adolescentes que nunca perdieron el entusiasmo en que el campamento se realizaría ya que deseaban participar y tener de cerca a los Chargers, Sin duda valió la pena hacer el esfuerzo y no dejar decaer el compromiso ya establecido con la comunidad Tijuanense. Gracias a la AFE por darle a mi ciudad este tipo de oportunidades."
Camp Castillo kicked off Saturday with a Capoeira demonstration and warm-up featuring Mindinho and the Tijuana-based branch of his group. For just about everyone on the field, the Brazilian art form of Capoeira was a new activity. Students and players alike were treated to an impressive display of this amazing combination of acrobatics, martial arts, dance, and music. After the performance, Mindinho led the student-athletes in a warm-up that prepared them for their stations.
The camp continued with the over 75 middle school students on Saturday and more than 125 high school students on Sunday. Each day, the main group of attendees was divided into smaller groups, allowing for more personalized attention to the students. Despite doubling of the number of students on Sunday, athletes still worked with them in small groups and took time to sign autographs for everyone. The groups rotated around five different stations, each run by a different athlete, each concentrating on developing a different skill. From catching balls and running drills, to blocking practice and headstands, all activities were designed to improve overall physical conditioning, as well as teach proper techniques for running, throwing, and catching. With the effort that students where putting into their exercises, many showed improved coordination and balance, just by the end of their rotations!
After breaking for lunch, each day continued with another series of exercises and games designed to teach the benefits of cooperation and teamwork. Games included relay races, tug-of-war, and of course, football. No matter what the activity, students learned that sometimes, being a strong individual is not enough; that they need to work with others on their team in order to succeed – and you don't always get to pick who's on your team.
Camp on both days concluded with gifts from the Chargers' team for all the attendees as well as autographs by all the special guests on everyone's shirts.
Athletes for Education is truly grateful for the support and assistance of everyone involved in allowing us to offer the camp attendees the inspiration and mentorship that can make a difference in their lives. We believe strongly in our motto of "Helping Our Youth Help Themselves," and realize that in order make that a reality; we need the support of the community. This year's Camp Castillo proved to us what amazing things can happen when we all come together.
A pesar de que fueron unicamente dos días para organizar la promoción y parte de la logisitica del evento, aceptamos el reto porque sabíamos que lo mas importante era darles a nuestros niños de Tijuana la oportunidad única de estar cerca de algunos de los Atletas mas telentosos e influyentes de nuestra región: Luis Castillo, jugadores de los Chargers y de la MBL.
El espiritú de convivencia, entrega y esperanza fue parte del legado de estos atletas, que a través del ejemplo inspiraron a nuestros niños a entender que es con el esfuerzo personal, con la concentracion y una mentalidad triunfadora, como se sale adelante; no solo en el deporte, sino en la vida misma.
Y esta filosofía va mucho más alla de geografías, fronteras, lenguajes y niveles de desarrollo, porque esto esta demostrado en la propia historia de Luis Castillo y su familia; de origen Dominicano, quienes nos han enseñado con hechos y éxitos el significado de la palabra PERSEVERAR.
Y es con perseverancia y sentido social, que TV Azteca se integra al esfuerzo de Athletes for Education y Camp Castillo, buscando un acercamiento con la sociedad y la promoción del valores y esfuerzos que nos hagan una mejor sociedad, de frente a los grandes retos de nuestra entidad.
Asi, en TV Azteca hemos sido inspirados no solo por el gran esfuerzo de la fundación Athletes for Education, Luis Castillo, Jugadores de los Chargers y de la MBL, sino especialmente por el gran espíritu, esfuerzo y entusiasmo que demostraron nuestros niños de Baja California.
Muchas gracias a AFE por la oportunidad única de participar en ayudar a la juventud a ayudarse, a través del ejemplo del deporte.
Ing. Gabriel Reyes Garcia
Director Comercial
TV Azteca BC
Through adversity and only two days of planning the logistics and promotion of the event, we took on the challenge because we knew the importance of providing the children of Tijuana with the unique opportunity to be near some of the most talented and influential Athletes in our region: Luis Castillo, linebacker for the San Diego Chargers and the NFL.
The spirit of togetherness, dedication and hope was part of the legacy of these athletes, who through their example inspired our children to understand that it is through personal determination, focused with a winning mentality, that we are capable of getting ahead, not only in sports, but in life as well.
It is this philosofy that goes much further than geography, borders, languages and social classes, because this is demonstrated in the life and history of Luis Castillo and his family, of Dominican origen, who has shown us through his actions and triumphs the significance of the word PERSEVERANCE.
It is with this perseverance and social consciouseness, that TV Azteca has united in the effort of Athletes for Education and Camp Castillo, looking for bond with our society and the promotion of values and dedication that will make us a better society, in facing the great challenges that we face.
In so much, TV Azteca has been inspired not only by the great effort of Athletes for Education, Luis Castillo, and the Players of the Chargers and the NFL, but especially by the great spirit, dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated by our children of Baja California.
Thank you very much AFE for the unique oportunity to participate and to assist youth to assist themselves, through the example of sports.
Ing. Gabriel Reyes Garcia
Director Comercial
TV Azteca BC
