Sports have a unique ability to bring people together, and when combined with social reintegration initiatives, they can create deep and positive impacts. This was the spirit behind the first football tournament organized at the CEDES Matamoros facility, where the Union of Industrial Workers and Laborers of the Maquiladora Industry (SJOIIM) joined forces with the Center for Execution of Sanctions (CEDES) Matamoros to foster recreation, healthy competition, and, of course, rehabilitation through sports.
An Event Marking the Beginning of New Initiatives
The opening remarks were given by Lic. Mario Alberto Hernández Aguirre, Director of CEDES Matamoros, who emphasized the importance of such events and thanked Maestro Juan Antonio Rubio, Deputy Secretary for Execution of Sanctions and Social Reintegration, as well as Lic. Juan Villafuerte Morales, General Secretary of SJOIIM. Both were recognized for their support and commitment to using sports as a key tool in social reintegration efforts. The Director highlighted how sports form one of the essential pillars for improving interaction and well-being within the penitentiary center.
Authorities and Teams Present
The event saw the participation of key figures from both CEDES and SJOIIM, reinforcing the commitment between the two institutions. Some of the authorities present included:
- Lic. Rosa Martínez, Deputy Legal Director
- Lic. Laura Edith Oropeza, Deputy Technical Director
- Jaime Ismael Yee Peralta, Security and Custody Coordinator
- Lic. Javier Campos Mares, Legal Chief
- Eleno del Ángel, SJOIIM Sports Commission
- Perla Hernández, SJOIIM Education Commission
- Sandra Too and Rubén Camero, Management Area Supervisors
These individuals played a key role in organizing and overseeing the event, ensuring that everything was conducted in an orderly and respectful manner.
“Let This Be the Beginning of Many More Activities”
SJOIIM General Secretary, Juan Villafuerte Morales, took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of these types of initiatives, not only in sports but also in cultural, religious, and recreational terms. During his speech, he mentioned: “Let this be the beginning of many more recreational, cultural, religious, and sports activities that we can carry out in this center. There are many bad things, but here, we will share sportsmanship from both the inmates and the visiting team.”
This statement encapsulates the day’s purpose: to shift the focus toward positive activities that benefit both the inmates and the visitors, creating a space for personal growth and community.
The Teams that Gave Their All on the Field
Several teams participated in the tournament, made up of both inmates and members of SJOIIM. These teams included:
- La Juventud, represented by delegate Amado Sias from the Interfactories League
- San Judas, a standout team in the tournament
- Nuevo Amanecer, a team made up of CEDES inmates
- Proyecto Nueva Vida, another local team that left its mark on the event
The tournament was a showcase of enthusiasm, where skill and effort took center stage. In the end, it was the Proyecto Nueva Vida team that took the championship, demonstrating that teamwork and dedication can make a difference, both on and off the field.
The Impact of Sports on Social Reintegration
Events like this one have value beyond sports, providing a healthy and productive outlet for inmates. Sports foster discipline, responsibility, and teamwork, essential qualities that can help inmates reintegrate into society once they have served their sentences. Additionally, simply participating in these events can create a sense of belonging and mutual respect between inmates and visitors.
Initiatives like this, driven by SJOIIM in collaboration with CEDES Matamoros, are vital in demonstrating that social reintegration is not just a concept but a reality that can be built day by day with meaningful activities.
What’s Next?
With the positive response generated by this football tournament, it is expected that this will be just the first of many recreational and sports activities at CEDES Matamoros. Both SJOIIM and the center’s authorities are committed to continuing to promote such events, which not only improve the quality of life for inmates but also strengthen the bonds between the community and the penitentiary system.
As Juan Villafuerte Morales aptly said, sports are just one of the many activities that can be promoted within CEDES, and this tournament could be the first step towards a series of cultural, religious, and recreational events that contribute to better interaction and personal growth within the center.
If the success of this first tournament is any indication of what’s to come, the future looks bright for sports and culture at CEDES Matamoros!