Sheinbaum Launches Sports Initiative Against Addictions; JC Chavez to Lead Mass Boxing Class

As part of the strategy to address the causes of and combat drug use, two passive events were announced this Friday at the National Palace to be held across the country: the race for peace and against addictions, which will take place this Sunday in Mexico City and the 31 states, and the Mass Boxing Class, which will take place on April 6, which is expected to attract one million people in Mexico City and the state capitals.

President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the goal is to provide young people with opportunities for connections related to sports and peacebuilding activities. “Often, a young person, not only for economic reasons but simply because of identity, who feels alone or, for some reason, has family problems, turns to drugs or criminal groups as a way of life; and as we have said: those are not life options, they are death options.”

The president emphasized that the Presidency is calling on young people to join different activities. Cultural activities will also be announced, particularly those related to music, where young people who may not be their main preference for sports, but who do enjoy music, can join other activities that allow them to develop differently.

The call was made in the presence of former boxing champion Julio César Chávez, who shared his experience: “I had an addiction problem that lasted many years, but thanks to a recovery program, today I have been alcohol- and drug-free for 16 years. Currently, I have addiction clinics where I help many people who have the same problem as me. And thank God, we have helped a lot of people, truly.”

The National Director for the Promotion of Sports and Well-being, Miguel Torruco, said that the goal is to provide alternatives for young people through the development of community sports, promoting “Semillero Dportivos” (Sports Seedbed), because it is not just about mass events.

“This is a comprehensive strategy that goes far beyond just an event. We proudly share with you the “National Boxing Class for Peace and Against Actions”; a state initiative that articulates inter-institutional efforts across various ministries and levels of government, aligned with the national policy for Peacebuilding and Addressing Causes. In other words, it is an exercise in social awareness,” said Torruco.