Members of the Monterrey Football Club and the Arizona Cardinals, an NFL team, visited La Gran Familia this Friday and spent time with children.

Merel Van Dongen, Rayadas player; Hjalte Froholdt, Cardinals player; Monty, Monterrey Football Club mascot; and Big Red, Cardinals mascot, carried out activities in an afternoon full of fun and joy.

In addition to talking and sharing life experiences, Merel and Hjalte read motivational stories to the children, as part of the commemoration of World Book Day, which was celebrated on Tuesday, April 23.

The athletes brought gifts and surprises to the children and at the end they took a photo of the moment.

Merel Van Dongen, Rayadas' defender, considered that sports is a vehicle to carry out actions in favor of the community.

"We dedicate a lot of time to our sport, but it's just as important, if not more important, everything we give back to our community. It is very nice to be with the girls and boys. Soccer is not just a sport, it unites and can make people's lives better. It's a pleasure to be able to be here and support off the field," said the Dutch player.

Hjalte Froholdt, defensive guard for the Arizona Cardinals, shared his experience after participating in the fellowship.

"I'm very grateful to be able to connect with the kids. It is a rewarding experience to be here with this great institution. I am impressed with what Club de Futbol Monterrey does for the community and culture, it is something they should be proud of," said the Danish athlete.

Thanks to Berel, official sponsor of Rayados and Rayadas, the athletes and children gathered to paint a representative mural with artist Jose Aguilera, to commemorate the event.

La Gran Familia incorporates girls, boys and adolescents without parental care into society and promotes their integral development as men and women capable of forming families in harmony.

Andrés Jiménez