In this edition of the Friendship Tournament, 6,600 athletes from 74 delegations compete. The tournament’s inauguration also featured the participation of P. John Connor, L.C., General Director of the Legionaries.

On October 19th, at the Olympic Stadium of the Autonomous University of Chihuahua, the largest amateur tournament in Latin America was inaugurated, with over 6,000 athletes. Officially, the 40th edition of the Friendship Tournament of the Semper Altius College Network and the Prepa Anáhuac Network began with an opening ceremony that welcomed more than 30,000 visitors from all over Mexico and Central America.

This year, the presence of 17 delegations from the Mano Amiga College Network from various states of the country stands out, known for their tenacity and comprehensive training.

On the presidium, the presence of Chihuahua’s Governor, Maru Campos Galván; Padre John Connor, L.C., General Director of the Legionaries of Christ; Marco Bonilla, Municipal President of Chihuahua; Padre Guillermo González, LC, General Director of Everest College and Prepa Anáhuac Chihuahua; Elena Bustillos Cornejo, Executive Director of the Semper Altius College Network and Prepa Anáhuac Network; Padre Alberto Simán, L.C., President of the Board of Governors of the Semper Altius College Network and Prepa Anáhuac Network; Enrique Castañeda, National Director of the Mano Amiga College Network; Cecilia Miramontes and Juan Carlos Bachir, representing the over 450 parents organizing this Tournament.

In a festive and brotherly atmosphere, students paraded with their banners and mascots representing the 74 participating delegations, framed by cheers from family members, friends, and the Chihuahua community who joined this ceremony. Subsequently, the flag honors were performed by the color guard of the V Military Zone. The mayor of Chihuahua expressed: “We are celebrating and proud because the capital is the host of this prestigious competition; for 10 days, we will be hosts to a sports festival with over 6,600 athletes, but above all, we will be a space of brotherhood because we are brothers, Mexico and Central America.” Later, Padre Guillermo González stated: “I celebrate the dedication and selfless work of over 450 parents who, entirely voluntarily, have been organizing this grand event in close collaboration with the State Government. This Tournament is an opportunity to celebrate the noblest values that unite us as a society, placing family, friendship, fair play, and bringing out the best in each of us at the center.”

Later, everyone was surprised with a message from Pope Francis from Rome, where he highlighted “I thank you for this initiative that, through practicing different sports, helps promote a culture of peace and fraternity. We know that unfortunately, in our society, there is also a culture of discard, which is why sports activities are a great opportunity to create spaces where everyone can feel part of the community and share. I encourage you to enjoy these days of gathering with joy and respect, open to meeting new people and enjoying the treasure of friendship. May Jesus bless you.”

Subsequently, the official oath was pronounced by Cecilia and Juan Bachir, on behalf of all competitors, judges, and parents. They committed to being loyal and respectful of the rules for the honor of the Colleges and Campuses.

Padre John Connor, L.C., General Director of the Legionaries of Christ, expressed his gratitude with these words: “Thank you all, my friends, may this Tournament be a sign of hope for the world, for Chihuahua, for Mexico; may it be a demonstration that true friendship and fraternity are possible, where each of us makes a difference in this Tournament because we not only celebrate talent and effort but also values, the great values in our lives.”

Finally, the governor of Chihuahua, Maru Campos Galván, emphasized: “Today I want to invite the participants of this Tournament, parents, educators, organizers, and athletes, to be brave as the Chihuahua shield says, to be brave also later, in our lives, with our values to defend our ideals, in competitions and in life, being loyal in all your environment.” Immediately after, she officially inaugurated the 40th anniversary of the Chihuahua Friendship Tournament 2023.

The inauguration concluded with the presentation of the official hymn of the Friendship Tournament and a drone show with laser and fireworks.

The Friendship Tournament represents a significant economic injection for the state of Chihuahua, in addition to promoting values and healthy competition, it significantly contributes to the economic and social well-being of the State.

The Friendship Tournament is not just a sporting event: it is a manifestation of the mission and vision that the Colleges of the Semper Altius Network and Prepa Anáhuac Network have promoted throughout their history. These institutions, recognized for their academic excellence and comprehensive formation, have instilled in their students values such as joy, gratitude, respect, fraternity, and honesty. The motto of this edition, “Make a difference,” reflects this ongoing commitment to motivate young people to reach the best version of themselves, not only academically or athletically but as citizens committed to their environment and society. Therefore, the Friendship Tournament becomes a platform where these values are lived and celebrated, reaffirming the legacy and positive influence that the Colleges of the Semper Altius Network and Prepa Anáhuac Network have had on generations of students and families.

You can see the photo gallery of the tournament, which is updated daily, here.

With information from the Office of Communications of Mexico.