The United States Mission in Ecuador has launched the "Pitching for Change" program, aimed at fostering leadership and cultural exchange among young people from vulnerable sectors through baseball. The initiative ran from July 23 to 31, providing training in baseball and softball to youths in Quito and Guayaquil. Participants engaged with eight university students and four American coaches who shared their expertise.
Chigozie Okocha, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador, emphasized the significance of using baseball as a medium to discuss "leadership, teamwork, and peaceful conflict resolution," which are pertinent issues for young Ecuadorians facing violence and poverty.
In Guayaquil, the American group interacted with members of the Kennedy Baseball Club, participated in training sessions, visited the Techo Para un Camino Foundation supporting Venezuelan refugees, and organized a baseball clinic at Yeyo Úraga Stadium. In Quito, sports camps were held in La Comuna Alta and La Rumiñahui neighborhoods where participants received baseball practice alongside Venezuelan players from the local kickball team.
Looking ahead, "Pitching for Change" plans to select 12 young Ecuadorian coaches from Quito and Guayaquil who will travel to the United States in October for further training. This program is a collaborative effort between the United States Embassy and Consulate, University of Montana, Gonzaga University, and Fundación de las Américas (FUDELA), which serves as the implementing partner in Ecuador.