Sports talent in Oaxaca faces significant challenges, including limited access to quality equipment, competitive events, and recognition needed to advance. Thanks to the efforts of Oax Sport and collaborators like William Christopher Jr. and Joanne Phipps, material barriers are being resolved for athletes like Priscila Santos Jerónimo. This young runner’s participation in the iconic IMSS Monte Albán Race showcases how support can uplift individuals and, in turn, entire communities.
The IMSS Monte Albán Race: An Athletic Tradition
With over 40 years of history, the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) Monte Albán Race is a unique event combining sports with a public culture of health and prevention. The route presents a challenging course, with an elevation gain starting in downtown Oaxaca at the IMSS hospital and ending at the Monte Albán archaeological site. This journey merges physical effort and health awareness with Oaxaca’s historical legacy.
In 2024, over 650 runners participated in the 12.6 km and 22 km distances. Among the participants, Priscila Santos Jerónimo stood out, finishing in fourth place in the women’s open category for the 12.6 km distance—a position marking significant progress in her running career.
Priscila Santos: An Athlete Seeking to Inspire
Priscila, 22, hails from San Cristóbal Amatlán in Oaxaca’s Sierra Sur region and specializes in 10 km and 12 km distances. Her performance in the IMSS race is not only a personal accomplishment but also a symbol of motivation for her community.
“Finishing in fourth place was a good result for me. I feel very proud of my time, but I know I can improve,” Priscila shared. “As a representative of my community, this was a significant achievement. I want to inspire girls and women to take on opportunities that were once considered unusual.”
Her determination to grow and her dedication to sports reflect the transformative impact of support on athletes and their social environments.
The Role of Oax Sport in Priscila’s Success
Oax Sport, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Oaxacan athletes, has been instrumental in Priscila’s journey. By providing logistical assistance and training equipment, Oax Sport ensures that athletes can focus their energy on their goals.
Diana García, Oax Sport’s public relations and creativity director, emphasized the organization’s commitment to athletes from communities outside Oaxaca’s urban center:
“The participation of runners from remote communities is often limited by in-person registration requirements. This time, we supported two runners from Miahuatlán by taking care of the registration process so they could participate in the IMSS-Monte Albán race. Small actions for some can make a big difference for others.”
The Impact of Collaborative Support
William Christopher Jr.: A Committed Donor
The contribution of William Christopher Jr., who donated the Hoka Mach 6 running shoes to Priscila, has been invaluable. The Hoka Mach 6 shoes, specifically designed for long-distance running, offer advanced cushioning and durability.
Priscila expressed her gratitude to William:
“The Hoka shoes were a tremendous emotional support, motivating me to improve as an athlete and remain consistent in training. I’m thankful for the trust and support, which inspire me to keep moving forward.”
Joanne Phipps: A Connection Between Oaxaca and the U.S.
Joanne Phipps, a key collaborator for Oax Sport, coordinated the donation’s delivery and has actively worked to expand resources for Oaxacan athletes. Joanne shared:
“I feel that athletes from small communities are underrepresented in regional and national competitions, especially women. My goal is to provide them with the necessary equipment so they can train and compete at their best level.”
Joanne also emphasized her hopes for Oaxacan athletes’ futures:
“I hope to see talented and dedicated Oaxacan athletes compete in international meets. To achieve this, we will continue working to unite support from Mexico and the U.S., encouraging them to keep training and pursuing accessible opportunities.”
What’s Next for Priscila?
With clear goals, such as completing a marathon by 2025, Priscila remains focused on improving her performance and inspiring more women to engage in sports. Oax Sport will continue to support her with resources and mentorship, ensuring she has the tools needed to succeed.
Join the Movement: How You Can Help
The success of athletes like Priscila depends on collective effort. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Donate: Help fund equipment, race registrations, and travel expenses.
- Share: Spread Oax Sport’s mission using the hashtag #OaxSport.
Visit the donation page to be part of the change.
About Oax Sport
Oax Sport is a nonprofit organization supporting Oaxacan athletes with financial assistance, material donations, and mentorship. Since its inception, Oax Sport has supported over 50 athletes, helping them achieve their sports goals.
Transparency
Oax Sport is not affiliated with Hoka or any of the brands mentioned in this article. The Hoka Mach 6 shoes were a personal donation from William Christopher Jr.
Join Oax Sport in its mission to empower Oaxacan athletes. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
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