An Inter Campus Christmas in Colombia

CALI – As the Inter Campus kids parade before the central stand at the Deportivo Cali sports facility, an announcer calls out the names of a series of districts in the local area – the list appears never-ending. Each time one is called, you hear a cheer of joy from those present. The children are feeling festive and as they enter you can hear our song Pazza Inter playing in the background. They are here for day of sport and culture, organised by the Fundación Crecer Jugando, a partner of Inter Campus. There are 400 kids at the event, and they are all eager to play on the three pitches which are usually reserved for the Deportivo Cali first team players. Today, the pitches are theirs to use.

Once the games begin, focus sets in, because football is serious business: goals, cheers, duels and handshakes. The feeling in the air is one of passion and friendship, with everyone coming together to celebrate the values of Christmas and sport. Between each game the kids can enjoy a snack in the shade offered by the trees, cool down and recover from their toils on the field. Lunchtime takes place under a huge canopy, where everyone then prepares for a cultural exchange. Each team has put together a short performance, showcasing local tradition. Some opt for dance, others for poetry, performing on stage in front of their fellow players. The young boys and girls dance with that familiar South American energy and it’s infectious for the coaches, parents and other members of the public who are in attendence. Some gifts are given out at the end of the performances, such as footballs and jerseys, and the day is rounded off with a dip in the swimming pool. All of a sudden, the pool is filled with children of all ages, and you can no longer see the blue of the water. One shade of blue which remains is that of the Nerazzurri jersey. The black and blue colours are a constant throughout the festivities at this Colombian gathering, from diving to dancing and competing to eating.