DIF Benito Juárez Crowns “The Protection of a Mother” Sand Sculpture Winner

Cancún, Mexico — The Benito Juárez DIF System, through its Directorate of Psychosocial Risk Prevention for Children and Adolescents and the Coordination of Recreation, Culture, and Sports (Recude), hosted the "Municipal Sand Sculpture Contest 2025" under the theme "Family Strengthening" at Playa Langosta. The sculpture titled The Protection of a Mother claimed first place.

Promoting Creativity and Family Values

Representing Municipal President Ana Paty Peralta, the institution’s Director General, Marisol Sendo Rodríguez, stated that the annual event, coordinated with the Quintana Roo DIF System, aims to foster healthy coexistence while encouraging creativity, respect, communication, and social values among children and adolescents.

Sendo Rodríguez announced that the winning sculpture, The Protection of a Mother, was crafted by Natalia Jiménez de Dios, Melanie Sasuta Freyre, and Jhan Carlos Jiménez Ulin from Gabriela Mistral Secondary School. The team will now represent Benito Juárez at the State Sand Sculpture Contest, organized by the Quintana Roo DIF System.

Second and third place were awarded to Family Unity and Pieces of the Soul, created by students from Conalep I and Gabriela Mistral schools, respectively. Participants explained their sculptures’ symbolism, emphasizing familial love. Prizes included medals, double passes to Happy Arena ice rink, backpacks with assorted items, and board games.

Jury Evaluation and Commitment to Youth

The judging panel, composed of Martha Gertein Charles, Erick Sommet, and Manolo Valencia from the Municipal Institute of Culture and Arts, assessed entries based on justification, difficulty, presentation, symmetry, skill, and imagination.

Sendo Rodríguez commended all 11 participating teams and reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to organizing activities that reinforce family values and community bonds.