Cancún’s Sports Events Fuel Charity Surge

Cancún, Mexico — In the wake of the pandemic, charitable acts through sporting events decreased by up to 50 percent. However, an increasing number of companies are now participating as part of their corporate social responsibility programs.

Currently, at least 80 percent of the events held in Cancún, such as athletic races, fashion shows, congresses, and conventions, have a charitable purpose.

Iza Yorch, a representative of the "Jaguares" athletic club in Cancún, commented that a growing number of sporting events have helping others as their primary cause. This concept, she noted, successfully incentivizes more people to participate.

"We are seeing a significant increase in these races. Before, there would be between 150 to 200 people, and now some events reach 700 and even up to a thousand participants," she stated.

On the same topic, the director of "Parque Cancún," César Barrios, indicated that since 2024, they have hosted a race within the facilities at least every two weeks, 100 percent of which have a charitable cause.

"Furthermore, we are eliminating the problem of closing streets and affecting vehicular traffic when these types of sporting events are held," he said.

The Municipal Sports Institute (IMD), directed by Alejandro Luna, estimates there are at least 100 events of this kind per year, all with the goal of benefiting the most vulnerable populations. Some donations are monetary, while others are in-kind, such as food or medicine.

For several years, organizing sporting events has become a form of social activism supporting various groups, including abused women, children with cancer, and even animal protection.

September 5 marks the "International Day of Charity," an action that unites people to build more just societies, whether through direct donations, volunteering, or collective action.

It is also noteworthy that the 135 local, national, and international congresses and conventions received by the Convention Center in this tourist hub encourage organizers to carry out some form of social support activity, especially in Mayan communities.