Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum has announced the creation of a trust to support high performing athletes and foster community sports.

Speaking at the inauguration of the second and final stage of a semi-Olympic swimming pool in Milpa Alta, Sheinbaum said the city government will contribute 10 million pesos, which will be matched by the private sector for a total of 20 million (US $1 million).

She said the fund will provide money for top athletes from Mexico City to travel all-expenses-paid to international sporting events and competitions.

The trust will also provide for Mexico City’s new Community Olympics, which are set to begin in June and take place over the course of four months, in which residents of all ages can participate in distinct sporting activities.

“The Olympic Committee finally gave us permission to use the name, and so 7-year-olds and up will be able to participate in all the different sports. Now we’re just finalizing the details so we can announce where the training will be held.”

The mayor said the funds will also support the “Ponte Pila” (Get Started) program, which will provide grants for 2,000 sports promoters around Mexico City to encourage activities.

Milpa Alta Mayor Octavio Rivero said the borough’s new sports facility in which the swimming pool is located has required an investment of 37.4 million pesos (US $1.96 million). The borough will provide an additional 1.2 million pesos for annual maintenance.

Source: Milenio (sp), El Heraldo (sp)