In Querétaro, Mexico, the 41st edition of the Friendship Tournament took place, a school sports event that goes beyond competition, celebrating values such as respect, honesty, and teamwork. With the participation of 9,200 competitors from countries like Mexico, El Salvador, the Philippines, and Guatemala, as well as thousands of spectators, the tournament was inaugurated with enthusiasm and celebration at the La Corregidora stadium.
During the opening ceremony, local leaders, educational authorities, and Governor Mauricio Kuri González came together to kick off the competition, emphasizing the importance of fair play and mutual support over results. The event included honors to the flag and the official oath of the participants, reaffirming their commitment to sports ethics.
The Friendship Tournament, which has transformed the city of Querétaro, has the motto "Let’s Dream Together," inspiring participants to visualize a future where dreams are achieved through collective effort. Since its creation in 1982, this tournament has been a space for learning about effort, discipline, and solidarity for thousands of students.
The event concluded with a spectacular show filled with lights and acrobatics, demonstrating how sports can drive local development and bring benefits to the community. In addition to the traditional delegations, this year students from OAK International Academies, from Ireland, Switzerland, and the United States also joined, enriching the multicultural experience of the tournament.
The presence of international participants and the atmosphere of camaraderie emphasize the spirit of friendship that characterizes this event, which seeks not only to train athletes but also to shape individuals with strong values who can make a difference in their communities. The economic impact of the tournament is estimated at over 500 million pesos, benefiting various sectors such as hotels, restaurants, and local businesses, demonstrating the positive reach of this sports celebration.
