LaLiga committed to sport development in American society

Since opening its doors at the beginning of the year, LaLiga's New York office has repeatedly showcased its commitment to the development of football and sport across the United States. As a testament to this, Raul Gonzalez, the LaLiga country manager for the US, teamed up with Asphalt Green on Saturday during a fun-filled activity day attended by some of the 33,000 kids this New York non-profit association helps annually through its sport outreach programmes, as well as by members of the organisation.

"I'm very proud to be able to contribute in this way towards the development of sport in this country, especially among disadvantaged groups. At LaLiga we see this as a way of giving back to American society, in response to the love it shows for football and its appreciation of the values represented by sport – namely hard work and effort – regardless of age or background. This is the best example we can set to children in their development as athletes and people," Raul told those in attendance.

The event was a fundraiser to support the projects that Asphalt Green carries out at public schools throughout New York. It featured the participation of some 1,000 children aged six to 10, who got to swim and play football for a few hours with several sporting idols. Besides Raul, the other stars involved included the former Olympic swimmers Jason Lezak, a triple gold medallist and world record holder in the 4x100m medley relay, and Rowdy Gaines, another three-time gold medallist whose feats earned him a place in the record books.

This edition marked the introduction of football at this annual event, which has been taking place in Manhattan for the last 20 years. So, after the long-running Big Swim, it was the turn of the Big Kick, which attracted hundreds of participants from every corner of New York who enjoyed themselves out on the pitch alongside Raul. The LaLiga executive joined in all of the activities on this sport-tastic day, as well as taking time out to talk to some of the families who benefit from the association's community programmes.

Awareness campaigns in Spain and collaboration agreements with associations and governments in various countries are other examples of LaLiga's work to promote the values of sport. By endorsing this initiative in New York, LaLiga has reinforced its commitment to American society and to embracing football's responsibility for furthering education and children's health.

About Asphalt Green

Asphalt Green is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering healthy habits among people of all ages and backgrounds through sport and fitness. Community service is one of its core principles and is present throughout its activities. It runs two centres in New York and helps more than 33,000 public school kids a year to enjoy sport and exercise through free and low-cost programmes in playgrounds, gyms and swimming pools across the city.