El Salvador – Don Bosco Integrated Education Youth Programme celebrates 10 years |
El Salvador – Forum on the prevention of violence |
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In consists in the promotion of some extreme sports such as acrobatics with BMX bicycles and skateboards, in the style of "break-dancing", as an alternative to the violence that frequently breaks out among the youngsters in this part of the world, offering them the space needed for these activities.
In an interview Mr. Nelson Rodríguez, Director of the "Saviour of the World" Foundation (FUSALMO) who manages the project explained that in 2003 in Soyapango they built a recreation centre for youngsters including a stadium holding 5000 people, a gym for over 2200, football pitches, basketball and tennis courts and other sporting facilities. The complex located between the territories of two rival gangs, is attended by members of both without any problems thanks to the rules they themselves drew up.
In 2006, thanks to a grant from the United States government, FUSALMO was able to extend the facilities to include the extreme sports and thus become the first centre in El Salvador where it is possible to practise them.
Since there are no coaches or trainers nor an official organisation for these, the youngsters themselves run them and become self-trained coaches helping those who are just starting especially the younger ones.
FUSALMO also includes "Don Bosco Polysports" and is linked with the Salesian centres in El Salvador.
Published 03/07/2007