University Community Unites for National Sports Initiative

The Universidad Veracruzana (UV), through its Directorate of Sports Activities (DADUV), recently participated in the National Day of Tequios in Sports Spaces – a program designed to promote the symbolic recovery of spaces and strengthen coexistence among the student community.

The initiative, promoted by the Ministry of Public Education and the Mexican Youth Institute, focused on both physical improvements and fostering a spirit of collaboration.

Rehabilitation and Community Work

Students and teachers dedicated their efforts to cleaning and rehabilitating the University Aquatic Center and its adjacent field. This work, described as resuming the ancestral meaning of tequio as unpaid community work for collective benefit, involved adapting the field for recreational activities.

Participants included students and faculty from the Educational Experiences of Biochemistry, Basketball, Adapted Physical Exercise, and Judo.

Soccer Tournament Emphasizes Inclusion and Peace

A central component of the day was a soccer tournament designed with a participatory and inclusive approach to promote a culture of peace. The tournament featured unique game formats aimed at fostering coexistence rather than competition.

• Siamese Soccer: Teams of two players were connected, requiring coordinated movement.
• Simulated Blindness Soccer: Players participated with limited vision, promoting trust and communication.
• Giant Soccer: Played with seven members per team and a pilates ball.
• Earthquake Soccer: Zero contact, lateral movement only.

Expert Insights on the “Tequio” Tradition

Erick Yael Fernández Barradas, doctor in psychology from the UV

The tequios are an ancestral activity where communities lived together with the objective of doing unpaid social work, not only for the common benefit, but for the benefit of society.

Erick Yael Fernández Barradas explained that the initiative seeks to recover the spirit of social collaboration inherent in the traditional tequio, an ancestral practice of unpaid community work.

José Luis Juvera Portilla, academic technician assigned to the DADUV

This day allowed for the generation of an environment different from the classroom, in which teachers and students interact from respect and the promotion of values.

José Luis Juvera Portilla highlighted the value of creating an environment outside the classroom where teachers and students could interact with respect and promote shared values.

Strengthening Social Fabric and Well-being

Organizers emphasized that the event contributes to rebuilding the social fabric and addressing challenges faced by the university population, such as stress and psychosocial issues.

Collaboration with Veracruzano Youth Institute

Mariana Núñez Islas, head of the Veracruzano Youth Institute, participated in the event, underscoring the importance of coordinating institutional programs with the UV and bringing them closer to the student community.