Descargar PDF The opening of the 4th Ocho Sur Cup, held on Sunday, June 1 at the Nueva Requena Stadium, was a major intercommunity sports event featuring the presence of renowned former players Héctor Chumpitaz, the legendary “Captain of the Americas,” and Sergio “Checho” Ibarra, historic top scorer in Peruvian football.
This colorful men’s and women’s football championship, known as “The Cup that Unites Communities”, began with a display of joy and camaraderie among the athletes from 16 Indigenous communities in the districts of Nueva Requena and Curimaná, who presented an engaging team parade.
The tournament, which has generated great interest in the region, is organized annually by Ocho Sur—a business group dedicated to the sustainable production of oil palm and its derivatives in Ucayali—as part of its well-established policy of social responsibility and community engagement.
This was reaffirmed by Alfonso Morante, senior executive at the company, who emphasized that the main objective of the tournament is to continue strengthening bonds of friendship among neighbors through the promotion of sport. At the end of his speech, he officially declared the fourth edition of the intercommunity championship open.
Among the distinguished guests were the Mayor of Nueva Requena, Jajaira Vásquez, and the Mayor of Curimaná, Clever Montes, who both expressed their appreciation to Ocho Sur for its ongoing support to the communities in their districts and for promoting sport among the youth, highlighting the values of effort, perseverance, and discipline.
Héctor Chumpitaz and Sergio “Checho” Ibarra were warmly welcomed by the attendees and team members, who eagerly took the opportunity to take photos with their football idols.
A particularly emotional moment occurred when “Checho” Ibarra led the traditional sports oath, calling on the 27 participating teams (15 men’s and 12 women’s) to pledge their commitment to respect and fair play. In unison, the athletes responded with a resounding “¡Sí, juro!” (“Yes, I swear!”).
During the opening ceremony, the first match of the women’s tournament took place between the teams from the Indigenous communities of Santa Clara de Uchunya and Unión Progreso. The honorary kickoff was performed by football legend Héctor Chumpitaz.
Following the women’s match, the men’s championship began with the match between teams from San Juan de Tahuapoa and Roca Fuerte. The ceremonial kickoff was given by senior executive Alfonso Morante.
Without a doubt, the grand sports celebration held yesterday at the Nueva Requena Stadium will be remembered by attendees and participants alike for the enthusiasm and sense of unity shared among the native communities, villages, and rural settlements that took part in this popular tournament—the 4th Ocho Sur Cup.
