The Director of the Junta de Beneficencia, Juan Xavier Cordovez, received Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO of Atlético de Madrid on a day that strengthened the international alliance that drives the JBG Social Sports Project, an initiative that today benefits more than 15,000 children and young people in different provinces of Ecuador.

During the meeting, Cordovez highlighted the importance of continuing to consolidate this model of international cooperation as a tool for social transformation. “This alliance strengthens the ties we have built together with Scholas Occurrentes and Atlético de Madrid to continue promoting the largest social sports project in Ecuador.

We share a common vision: to form better citizens, generate opportunities and transform the lives of thousands of children and young people through sports, education and values,” he said.

The agenda began with a tour of the Junta de Beneficencia’s hospital network, where the delegation learned first-hand about the scope of the social and health work that the institution carries out nationwide. Later, they visited the JBG Sports City, where they shared with children and young people who are part of the Social Sports Project, an initiative that promotes inclusion, education and human development through sports.

One of the most significant moments of the day was the unveiling and blessing of a mural inspired by the meeting between Pope Leo XIV and representatives of this social project. The work, created by the Guayaquil artist Fabricio Valverde, is a replica of the painting blessed by the Holy Father and represents the joint effort of the Junta de Beneficencia, Scholas Occurrentes and Atlético de Madrid to build opportunities for new generations.

The blessing ceremony was conducted by the Archbishop of Guayaquil, Monsignor Luis Gerardo Cabrera, who shared a reflection inspired by the words of St. Paul: “Run towards the goal. During his message, he stressed that sports constitute an authentic school of discipline, perseverance and self-improvement, capable of helping children and young people discover their purpose and build a life project away from violence, drugs and other realities that threaten their future. “It is not enough to participate; it is necessary to know where you want to go and be willing to work with perseverance to achieve it”, said the Archbishop, while emphasizing that dreams are achieved when they are accompanied by discipline, responsibility and perseverance.

He also recalled that the Junta de Beneficencia’s Social Sports Project seeks to offer adolescents and young people an alternative way to develop their talents, strengthen their character and learn fundamental values such as respect, solidarity, teamwork and perseverance.

For the Junta de Beneficencia, this visit represents a new show of confidence in a model that understands sport as a powerful tool for social transformation, capable of generating opportunities, strengthening communities and building a culture of peace. “When a social organization, an educational institution and a worldwide club come together around the same purpose, the result is a real opportunity to change lives. That is the true meaning of this alliance and the path we want to continue strengthening for thousands of children and young people in Ecuador,” concluded Juan Xavier Córdovez.

With initiatives such as this one, the Junta de Beneficencia continues to consolidate its commitment to the integral development of new generations, convinced that sports, education and values are fundamental tools for building a better future for the country.