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International Youth Exchange in Cuba with Pro Boxer Dalia “La Pantera” Gomez
AltruVistas and Vertical Skillz connect youth through the power of sports

Cuba: July 26-August 3, 2019

Professional boxer Dalia “La Pantera” Gomez holds the 2015 California Golden Glove Championship title, the 2015 Puerto Rico vs. California Champion title, and is the 2016 Beautiful Brawler Champion. Gomez is a coach, trainer, motivational speaker, former Oakland Unified School district teacher, and the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Vertical Skillz Outreach. Vertical Skillz empowers urban youth of color through outreach opportunities, mentorship, life skills training, and international traveling experience. The nonprofit’s mission is to build physical, mental, and character strength in students who are often without access to resources. This July, “Coach G” is taking ten middle and high schoolers on an international exchange to Cuba.

In Cuba, the delegation will meet with youth boxers at the oldest gym in Havana, and participate in a cross-cultural baseball game. In addition to working out and playing every day, the students will be learning about Cuban history, agriculture, and culture—via historical site tours, special speakers, sports complex tours, art tours, and participation in a day of service with local children.

“Sports are a common language that can connect us all—whether we know how to communicate with the spoken language or not,” says Gomez. “There’s a T-shirt I want to make that says, ‘How do you play?’ Are you hanging a boxing bag on a tree? Sparring with no shoes? Whether you’re in Cuba or in the US, you’re still finding ways to play regardless of the resources you may or may not have.”

Among the US students traveling in the delegation are 15-year-old Dominick Reed, currently tied for the #1 spot at the 145-lb. weight class in the USA Boxing’s Junior Men’s Rankings; and Sativa James, ranked #1 in her weight class in the nation and a participant in the upcoming July Junior Olympics in Wisconsin. Sativa is a descendant of Jack Johnson, one of the first black heavyweight boxers in the US. Vertical Skillz will also be bringing a college-aged videographer on the journey via an internship opportunity, and she will document the trip.

The youth delegation also holds students from families who have experienced gun violence, incarceration, and lack of resources and support. “We’re all fighters in life,” says Gomez, “trying to get ahead despite our backgrounds and stories; despite racial inequity. By giving these kids an opportunity to travel—none of them have ever left the country before—the idea is that we grow empathy and compassion, learn new ideas, be grateful for what we have, and gain the ability to bring what we learn back into our own communities.” Gomez, who has previously led international exchanges in Nicaragua and Belize, adds, “I believe these bridges we build can last.”