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The improvements made to Henrry Sur and Maranata will help strengthen athletics and community gatherings, positioning these spaces as key elements of the town’s centennial festivities.
On a day filled with sports, community participation and heartfelt tributes, the Henrry Sur and Maranata fields were officially handed over to the community following a major renovation project spearheaded by the Municipality of María Elena, SQM and Fundación Arcángeles.
Local children, teens and families played key roles at the celebration. At Maranata, a rhythmic gymnastics performance and youth soccer matches kicked off the ceremony, while at Henrry Sur, the basketball academy inaugurated the renovated facility, filling both spaces with energy and demonstrating the important role they play in sports development and community life.
Viviana Cuello, mayor of María Elena, noted: “This is a milestone that María Elena has wanted for a long time. Restoring two iconic spaces like the Henrry Sur and Maranata fields was a need that our neighbors had been raising for a while. Today, as we approach our centennial, we are celebrating a project that seemed difficult to bring to fruition and that the community is already enjoying.”
This project involved a comprehensive renovation of both facilities, incorporating new infrastructure and sports equipment, as well as a series of complementary improvements designed to enhance the safety, comfort and functionality of these spaces. In that context, Felipe Aravena, president of Fundación Arcángeles, explained: “We took on the challenge of restoring these venues within 40 days, and today we see them coming back to life with sports once again. That is the best example of the potential impact of working collaboratively.”
For his part, Manuel Ossandón, head of Community Relations at SQM, added: “We know that great athletes from María Elena have played on these fields, which have been the setting for many stories of hard work, camaraderie and overcoming challenges. Today, we want them to once again serve as a starting point for new generations to thrive, play sports and find a place where they can share experiences and grow.”
Lucy Zuleta, the Ministry of Sports representative for the Antofagasta Region, also attended the event and emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen sports infrastructure in the region. “These improvements give more people the right conditions to play sports, promoting healthy habits and a better quality of life. Now the challenge is to take care of these spaces and make the most of them,” she said.
In addition to unveiling the renovated facilities, the event served as a venue for presenting the Centennial Award to residents, athletes, leaders and organizations that, through their achievements and commitment, have contributed to the social and athletic development of María Elena, playing a fundamental role in the community’s history and identity.
