Salesian Liceo Manuel Arriarán Barros School inaugurates new multifunctional sports complex
CHILE
(MissionNewswire) Salesian Liceo Manuel Arriarán Barros School, located in La Cisterna, Chile, has inaugurated a new multifunctional sports complex. The sports complex features two courts for volleyball and tennis, two basketball courts, a handball court, and a multi-court for other sports. The entire complex is equipped with lighting for evening activities.
At the inauguration event, Father Marcela Yánez, rector of the school, said, “In this place, we have a genuine Salesian space for meetings, sports and joy. Sports are important for youth development and that is why when we started improvements on the school, we set the courtyard among our priorities.”
Salesian programs around the globe have a focus on socio-sports education. Playing sports helps youth learn new skills and engage with their peers. Sports and activity are particularly important during the pandemic when many have become more sedentary.
“We congratulate the Salesian Liceo Manuel Arriarán Barros School on its new sports complex,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Sports programs teach youth both on and off the field. Learning and playing team sports encourage leadership skills as well as teach youth to work as part of a team. Students also learn important social skills and have opportunities for growth and maturity.”
According to the World Bank, Chile has a fairly low poverty rate of 14.4 percent. However, Chile struggles with high rates of income and education inequality. Salesian missionaries working in Chile focus their efforts on providing education and social services to poor and at-risk youth. At Salesian schools, universities and youth centers throughout the country, youth can access an education as well as the skills and resources necessary to break the cycle of poverty.
As a result of the vocational and technical education provided by Salesian programs, Chilean youth are more likely to find stable employment and improve their standard of living.
###
Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – Chile – Inauguration and blessing of new sports complex at La Cisterna
Salesian Liceo Manuel Arriarán Barros School
Salesian Missions – Chile
World Bank – Chile
