You are here : Home 
KXO News Sports San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers Take Football to Mexico
KXO News Sports San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers Take Football to Mexico Todays is : Tuesday, 02 December 2008
| San Diego Chargers Take Football to Mexico |
|
|
|
| Written by Jen Rojas, Chargers.com | |
| Friday, 21 July 2006 | |
|
The excitement of the World Cup has died down but OUR kind of football was still on the minds for more than 350 kids and young athletes in Tijuana, Mexico this week. Defensive end Luis Castillo and wide receiver Robert Ortiz took a visit south of the border to teach football fundamentals and answer questions at the Unidad Deportiva Municipal, a public sports complex in central Tijuana. The Chargers have held several football clinics and gatherings in Mexico over the years. “One of the many things that made me excited when I was drafted by the Chargers was the large Hispanic community incorporated with San Diego,” Castillo said. “There aren’t many players in the NFL that are fluent in Spanish. I’m fortunate to be able to take advantage of that unique ability and be involved in the Hispanic community.” Castillo, a Dominican, and Ortiz, who is half Mexican and half Puerto Rican, started the day with a 25-minute question and answer session with the kids from the Unidad Deportiva. Jorge Villanueva and Efren Dominguez, the Spanish voices of the Chargers were also on hand. “It was very easy to see that the kids were thrilled to meet Luis and Robert,” Villanueva said. “Baja California follows the NFL more than any other Mexican state, but most of the kids don’t get an opportunity to interact with American athletes very often. It serves as great inspiration for the kids to see Latino athletes who have made it professionally in the United States.” After the session, thirty varsity football players from the Organización Estudiantil de Futbol Americano (OEFA) got the opportunity to run the drills with Castillo and Ortiz. The athletes were split into groups with Castillo directing the defensive players and Ortiz instructing the offensive players. Castillo and Ortiz also met with several members of the Mexican media while on their trip. They had the opportunity to discuss the upcoming season with reporters over lunch. “I always see a lot of Mexican and Dominican flags at Chargers games,” Castillo said. “We have a huge following in the Hispanic community and it’s very important that we promote our team through the international media.” |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
KXO Contest Winners
Coldstone Creamery
Birthday Cake
Yolanda Islas - AM
Eugene Mendoza - FM
KXO Newsletter Subscribe
