A major initiative through the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation broke ground today on their Community Center and Sports Complex project in La Paz, Mexico. “YO!” or Youth Opportunities Inc. celebrated a historic event in the history of the city of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Representatives from the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation, Youth Opportunities, local families and members of the La Paz city government and business communities were on hand to witness this unprecedented groundbreaking ceremony.
 
Kate Pace Lindsay, Senior Grant Management Consultant with the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation spoke of the vision of AHK Foundation’s Founder and CEO, Mr. George Boedecker to establish a place where community members could gather for recreational, cultural, educational and civic events. This project is and community collaboration between Youth Opportunities, local government –municipal, state and federal, local contractor and developer DECOPE, representatives from local and foreign NGO organizations, government agencies, such as the Department of Health, Education, State Sports Institute and DIF [Family Development Institute].

Youth Opportunities Inc. and its Executive Director, Matthew Lanctot are committed to helping enrich the lives of the community members in La Paz by providing exceptional facilities and programs that promote the participation of children, youth and families. The Community Center and Sports Complex development will provide services including health and nutrition, family workshops, sports and other recreational services.

The center is located in the Arco Iris III colony and will service mainly the southern neighborhoods in the city. The original sports center project was conceptualized by George Boedecker, Jr., and includes a Community development center with soccer and basketball areas, classrooms and a parking lot. Youth Opportunities Inc. will operate the center, aided by state and city governments as well as undergraduate students from different universities.