San Pedro Apostol Rural Sports Center

Funded by the international Gamechangers competition, promoted by Nike Inc. and Architecture for Humanity - a campaign to encourage community organizations to empower youth through sports by proposing programs that spur social and economic development in a community - The project is being built on a rural community plot in the Municipality of San Pedro Apóstol, in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, located only 120m from the Primary and Elementary Schools of the village. This sports facility meets the dreams of this small community, especially the youths, by creating a Center where several physical activities may be practiced not only by the locals but also visitors. The idea is to create a Center with multiple sports functions aimed at different population segments, contributing to better social cohesion and improving access for opportunities to participate in sport. A soccer field as well as a basketball court are foreseen, which will host the important inter-villa tournaments and the local schools. The elderly population is provided with several pathways and the existing dike will be used for nautical sports, becoming unique throughout this region. The Center provides an area with locker rooms, medical post, multi-purpose area and an outdoor kitchen. All interventions intend to be an example of sustainability, be it the materials used, construction techniques or taking advantage of the local natural resources. A didactic vegetable garden will contribute to sustainable agriculture. One of the Project's strong points is its innovative concept of educational philosophy know as LEARNING BY BUILDING. The aim is to be built mainly by local inhabitants using a system of self-construction, allowing the Center to not only provide a sports facility but also education during the construction process, possibly turning it into a source of income. This project is more that just a sports field, it becomes a park for the city, a place of contemplation where one can take a walk amidst the outstanding and breath taking scenery. This is appealing to city dwellers who may opt to spend the weekend in a tranquil environment, generating income for the local rural community.