April 21, 2011 – Mexico City,. Mexico…Fabiola Quinto
For months now, hundreds of pathfinders have practiced diverse march routines in their clubs to compete against other clubs during march competitions at the 3rd Inter-American Division’s Pathfinder Campore, which began yesterday. The two categories of marches being judged were the school and the military.
Judges for the military march came from various unions in Mexico and the judges for the school division came from the Dominican Republic.
Stress and concern were evident on the participating pathfinders’ faces. One of the first clubs to participate was the Gideon Club from Cancun in South Mexico. Their routine featured colorful batons and was led by Genesis Herrera, a traveler-class Pathfinder.
“We practiced every day for two months to come out with a perfect routine,” said Herrera. “I was very confident because I knew the routine and knew we would perform very well, thank God for that.”
By her side is Karla Ramirez, a young girl who participated with her club called Gerisim from Minatitlan, Veracruz, from the Inter-Oceanic Union. “We practiced for three months. Now I am more relaxed, under less stress,” she said.
Priscila Terrealba, a pathfinder in the guide class, was the leader of 22 pathfinders who practiced every Sunday for two months. “We came from three different towns: Acarigua, Ganaré and Barinas. We made one single group to represent the Los Llanos Venezuela Antilles Union,” she commented.
Terrealba was chosen for her voice projection and discipline in the marches, and the instructor selected the 22 pathfinders who marched the best.
Pamela Sandoval from guide class of the Stay’psi Club from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, North Mexican Union, said that they began intense practice one-and-a-half months ago every Sunday. Her group was among the top 12 selected in her region.
Araceli Moreno, director of the Mahanaim Club, Guanajuato, Central Mexican Union, said that her 12-member group voted and adopted the routine they liked most.
After their routine, the Areoles from the Valle Mission in Mexico, felt so much relief that they broke down in tears. Jonathan García, a member of the group, commented that they practiced for over two months and that they were nervous. “Now we feel more at ease to continue with the rest of the events,” he said.
“Finally we are done with this very difficult event,” said Abraham Lopez, a member of the Itiel Club from Jalpa de Mendez, Tabasco, Central Tabasco Conference, Southern Union.
According to the judges, each club worked very hard. “Every country has its unique style,” said Franklin Del Valle. “All of them are excellent, they are on the right path. I am delighted to be part of a team of judges of other countries.”
“This is proof that we are one in Christ, without minding nationality,” said Del Valle who added that the marches had run smoothly.
