by María E. Pérez
Childhood and Salesians
In my childhood I lived in the "San Juan Bosco" neighborhood of Santo Domingo. It was a very nice childhood, which I'm proud of, and I was able to play a lot of sports. I played soccer with the Salesians in the 'Don Bosco' oratory, because most of the teachers involved with the Salesians were Europeans and played soccer.
Proud of Salesian formation
To play baseball, we had to attend Mass every Sunday, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am; then, until noon, we were allowed to play baseball, but before Mass we had to confess. I feel proud and grateful for the formation I was able to receive from the Salesians, as well as that of my parents. I participated in many tournaments. I played soccer and basketball, but I was more inclined to baseball. I believe that Salesian formation, together with military discipline, has played a preponderant role in my life throughout my career.
On education
For me education is fundamental: I urge children not to leave school and those who have the opportunity to go to university, because that title that they have obtained thanks to sacrifice and perseverance will be something that no one can take away from them. Children are the hope, pride and future of every country; we parents are called to give them guidance and joy, so that they know that there is always room to improve, and that they try to be humble and to maintain good discipline, because success depends on this.
Another great success or accomplishment of the former athlete and coach is the Manuel Mota Foundation, created in 1967, which provides food, school and sports supplies to children and young people with limited resources, as well as food for vulnerable elderly people.
Full testimony is available in Spanish in the "El Caribe" newspaper.
