Interview with “roscoman”, president of the deec
Translation: Heido Sundstrom
The Colima State Extreme Sports Association (DEEC, for its initials in Spanish), is one of the most organized surfing groups that exist in Mexico. They organize surfing, skate and musical events, parades, beach-cleaning days, as well as supporting special-needs children with different capabilities. Just the last activity alone speaks very highly of the qualities of this group of people. We caught up with Cesar Felix Quintero Diaz, better known as “Roscoman”, the President of this Association...
Where did the idea of organizing the Little Angels Also Surf event come from?
The idea stems from a nephew I have named Dionicio, or “Nichoman” as we affectionately call him. I took Nichoman to school for a long time, so I was able to familiarize myself with a lot of really special kids. We talked about the idea amongst our team and we all agreed to organize something very special. And that’s how the Little Angels Also Surf event came to be.
Who is eligible to participate in the Little Angels Also Surf event?
This event is 100% focused on kids with special needs, but it’s also for the general public. All kids can be present and are treated with the same attention as everyone else. In other words, it’s a purely family event. Our special guests were from the Hellen Keller and La Tele Secundaria Especial #3 schools.
Who are the organizers?
The organizers are all the members f the Colima State Extreme Sports Association (DEEC) and all play an important part in this great event.
What are the activities that take place?
The main thing is to teach the kids how to surf and ensuring that the surf instructor can pass a positive vibe to the kids by helping them catch waves and enjoy a fun ride on a surfboard.
Another activity is the appreciation of the ocean, where we thank God for another year of blessings and good waves and also for the eternal rest of our surfing brothers that have passed.
At the event, there is also a ring where they feature wrestling, Hawaiian and Polynesian dances and a Santa Clause giving out presents to kids, all of which is topped off with a recital.
We give the kids food, treats, cakes, Jell-O, piñatas to break, little gifts, there’s dancing, etc., etc. It’s a lot of fun.
At what beach is the event held?
We organize the event at the Bay of Santiago in Manzanillo, Colima.
What has the event taught or given you?
I’ve had once-in-a-lifetime experiences, these “ little angels” have taught us that they’re the same as us, just a little closer to God because of their innocence. Most importantly, though, is that they have the souls of warriors, whatever you encourage them to do, they’ll do it.
How many events have been held?
With these “little angels”, this is the second edition.
What’s on your Association’s calendar of events for 2014?
We’re planning to organize a skate event, four surfing and bodyboarding events, beach clean-ups, activities with these “little angels” and everything that’s related to improving our sport and our image as athletes.
Anything else you want to add?
Thank you to all the people who have believed in DEEC and continue to stick by us through thick and thin. I also want to encourage the other Associations to keep supporting us so that our future generations grow to be high performance athletes.