Gaby Moreno, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, visits the “Juego Limpio” program in San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá

San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá, 25 September 2024 – Singer-songwriter and UNICEF Guatemala Goodwill Ambassador, Gaby Moreno, visited the “Juego Limpio” (Fair Play) program, implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative aims to promote the holistic development of children by using soccer as a tool to strengthen values, socio-emotional skills, and life skills.

During the activity, held in San Pedro La Laguna, Gaby Moreno interacted with children who are part of the initiative and witnessed first-hand how soccer can also serve as an educational tool to foster values such as respect, inclusion, teamwork, leadership, and life skills.

“Seeing so many children gathered, learning and enjoying sports in a safe space fills me with hope. Soccer has the capacity to open opportunities and strengthen self-esteem. I am convinced that programs like ‘Juego Limpio’ have the power to transform lives and entire communities,” said Gaby Moreno.

“Juego Limpio” was launched in 2024 and is currently being implemented in 93 municipalities across nine priority departments: Sacatepéquez, Chimaltenango, Huehuetenango, Quiché, Sololá, San Marcos, Totonicapán, Quetzaltenango, and Izabal. Up to this date, the program has more than 6,142 participants: 1,720 girls (28%) and 4,422 boys (72%), who directly benefit from this initiative.

In addition to improving technical soccer skills, the program strengthens socio-emotional competencies such as emotional management, decision-making, leadership, and life skills, with an inclusive and gender-equity approach.

Gaby Moreno’s visit took place in a context where the lack of safe spaces for play and recreation remains a challenge in Guatemala. According to UN-Habitat, only 30% of the population in low- and middle-income countries has access to adequate public spaces. This limitation directly affects the physical, social, and emotional development of adolescents, increasing risks of anxiety, depression, and isolation.

“Sports are much more than physical activity: they are a powerful tool for children to learn, grow, and dream. With ‘Juego Limpio,’ we seek to open doors and break down barriers so that every child has real opportunities for development.” – Fredy Bartolo González, Municipal Sports Coordinator for Juego Limpio.

UNICEF and the Ministry of Culture and Sports call on the public and private sectors, community organizations, and society at large to join efforts to open more sports academies nationwide, ensuring that more children can access safe spaces where they can learn, have fun, and, above all, develop skills for their future through sports.