MÉRIDA, YUCATÁN— On August 16, Mérida will host a massive public boxing session as part of Mexico’s National Boxing Class (Clase Nacional de Boxeo), a nationwide initiative designed to foster physical health, build community cohesion, and prevent youth involvement in crime and substance abuse. The goal is to make physical activity a lasting habit and use sports as an effective tool for social development and crime prevention. Participants will train under instructor Alex Rivas, supported by the Ponte Pila program team, led by Rosy Pech Pacheco and Silvia Gonzaga Castillo. High schools across the state have been invited to join, alongside high-performance athletes and local trainers. Organizers hope to replicate similar mass athletic events regularly to reinforce social harmony, improve public health, and offer positive developmental outlets for Yucatán’s youth.