With an emotional ceremony that combined sport, reflection and coexistence, the Marist University of Mérida inaugurated Codemaru 2025, a national meeting that celebrates fraternity between the Marist campuses of San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Mérida, under the institutional motto “Being to serve.” The event brings together young athletes of high academic and human performance.
The activities began in the “Pablo Hernández” Auditorium, with the inaugural conference given by the former soccer player and sports analyst Francisco Gabriel de Anda and the educational psychologist and technical director Jorge Vantolrá Rangel, both with outstanding careers in professional soccer.
Opening ceremony
Subsequently, the delegations moved to the UMM soccer field for the opening ceremony, which included the parade of the participating teams, the honors to the Flag and the blessing of the new stands, led by priest Jorge Carlos Menéndez Moguel. Representing the Marist authorities, the Marist Provincial offered a welcome message, followed by the swearing-in of the athletes and the official declaration of opening.
The rector of the Marist University of Mérida, MI Ermilo José Echeverría Castellanos, addressed a profound and emotional message to those present, alluding to the human value of sport in university education. “There is no greater privilege for a rector than seeing the auditorium full. Today the moment is similar: seeing these stands full, this dream accompanied by athletes, families and companions. It is an image that remains with me with great affection. We are here together, as a single community. Welcome to your home, the Marist University of Mérida,” he expressed.
The rector also spoke of those young people who, despite the fatigue of their studies, decide to train and give their best, who shine with their heart and perseverance, who do not give up even when their body is exhausted or doubts arise, and who, even so, do it smiling.
The participating disciplines are men’s and youth’s 100m, 100m and 400m flat athletics, shot put, men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball, men’s 11-a-side soccer, women’s 7-a-side soccer, paddle tennis, men’s and women’s table tennis, men’s and women’s tochito, as well as men’s and women’s beach volleyball.
The day concluded with fireworks and a social dinner that marked the beginning of the competitions, consolidating Codemaru 2025.— Darinka Ruiz Morimoto