Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen

On Thursday September 30, the members of the Municipal Government of Solidaridad, including Presidente Román Quian Alcocer, gathered in force in Playa del Carmen's sports multi-plex (Poliforum) for a rally with 640 local students from 8 local public schools. Cruzada por la Juventud (Crusade for Youth) is a fledgling initiative designed to show the support from both the municipal government and the private sector for Playa's young people and to enlighten these young people about services and opportunities available to them in the community.

"Youth is the driving force behind the dynamics in a society, is the present and future, is the generator of change and is the builder of art and modernity." said Presidente Román Quian Alcocer. He also stressed the importance of creating character building opportunities within the contexts of education, culture, social organization and employment to enable young people to develop fully.

In all, 38 local organizations were represented ranging from musical groups to culinary associations and many other programs focused on education, job opportunity, culture, health and social companionship. Organized through the offices of Secretary General Rafael Castro Castro, this is the second rally of it's kind. The first, held in March of this year, was convened in response to the tragic death of a local student.

Members of the Executive Committee for Taste of Playa 2010 were also on hand to present a donation of 120 Wilson sports balls to the winners of a challenge set down in the March event. Smiling students from the winning schools accepted the balls on the part of their team mates. It was an inspiring event and one could not help but get caught up in excitement of the children. We were pleased that Taste of Playa was given the opportunity to contribute to such a fine cause and we look forward to participating again next year!

640 middle and high school students are greeted by Municipal Government officers

Federal Legislator Susana Hurtado Vallejo

Secretary General Rafael Castro Castro

Presidente Roman Quian Alcocer

Presentation of the prizes to the student representatives

The Presidente and his officers pose with the winners!