Triqui Children From Oaxaca Visit Disneyland: Basketball World Champions in US Tour

As a part of their tour through the US, the basketball team comprised of Triqui children visited Disneyland in California.

Invited by Latino and Indigenous communities in California, the children, also known as the "barefoot giants" had a great time at the gigantic theme park, marveled by the size of the mechanical games, according to Mexican newspaper El Universal.

Related News: Indigenous Triqui Children in US Tour (Spanish)

Previously, the winning team of the fourth minibasketball festival -where they surprised everyone by playing barefooted- enjoyed a match between the Lakers and the Timberwolves, and took a picture at the Hollywood sign.

Likewise, they have also played some basketball, playing matches against Catholic schools in the area, a team of journalists and a team comprised of activists of a pro-immigrant rights organization.

In statements which can be read on the Hispanically Speaking News website, Jorge Mario Cabrera, director of communications of the Coalition Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), said that "these children represent a ray of hope for those who want to succeed despite the challenges they face."

Related News: Indigenous Triqui Children From Oaxaca Play Barefooted and Win International Basketball Tournament [Video] (Spanish)

He added how regrettable it is that these young athletes don't receive the acknowledgement they deserve. "It's ironic that these children have to leave their country to be considered heroes," he said.

On his part, Gerardo Vásquez, who presides an organization of Oaxaca immigrant groups in California, told the Taipei Times of his admiration of the effort shown by the Triqui children.

"Despite having everything against them, these children have shown their strength on the basketball court and won. They've shown the world that, despite their circumstances, they're a ray of hope for the people of Oaxaca and Mexicans."

Related News: Government of Oaxaca Awards Triqui Champions With Uniforms and Scholarships (Spanish)