The XII Central American Games are about to begin, and Guatemala will have the privilege of hosting this important regional competition for the very first time. But this is no coincidence; their selection goes hand in hand with the growth the country has shown in recent years and the constant effort of its athletes to excel in every tournament they enter. This event will kick off on October 18.
Paolo César Estuardo Camposeco Chang is the president of the Guatemalan federation. At 44 years old, he leads the organization that governs field hockey in the country and knows that the way to build a future is by focusing on the youngest players. That’s why programs have been created specifically for this group: “With the implementation of leagues in the youth and senior categories since I took office, improvements have been seen. Additionally, the decision was made to launch leagues in the children’s category this year. There has been remarkable development in technical, tactical, and physical levels both nationally and internationally,” explained the president. Many of these young athletes will be the spectators of this great event.
The development of the sport also makes a nation more eligible to host other countries in a competition. The decision to make Guatemala the host is directly related to the measures they have taken recently. And this is how they experience it: “It is a great honor, joy, and an important challenge. In previous years, we have hosted Central American championships, and this year is the first time we are organizing an event as significant as the XII Central American Games. As the host country and governing body of hockey in Guatemala, we want everything to go as smoothly as possible. With qualified personnel and the support of PAHF, COG, and CDAG, we know it will be a unique experience for our Central American brothers. Our wish is for the athletes to enjoy themselves, have fun at the event, and take home a fond memory and affection for Guatemala,” Camposeco shared.
These events have three stages: the pre-event, the competition itself, and the post-event. Legacy is part of what they leave behind. For Paolo, organizing and providing services will allow for the “reaffirmation that hockey is played in Guatemala and that it yields good results.” Furthermore, it is a way to show that “hard and continuous work always pays off.” Sport stops being just a physical activity and becomes something that broadens the mind and gives many people the opportunity to grow in a holistic way.
Although the reward—the prize—is granted at a general level, it would also be poetic for the athletes to receive it, seeing all their effort reflected in the most tangible form: a medal. The president explained how they expect local teams to perform: “It has been a path full of challenges due to the work and study commitments of our athletes, but we know the national team members have been training hard and continue to do so, dedicating great sacrifice and effort. They understand the commitment and the importance of the result, and as athletes passionate about hockey and Guatemala, we trust they will give their all on the field to defend our country’s colors so that all their work is reflected in a medal,” he concluded.
