The Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City celebrated the 'Reta de Botargas' at the Glorieta de los Insurgentes, with a pitch built by inmates from the Reclusorio Preventivo Varonil Norte as part of their social reintegration.
The Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) of Mexico City has celebrated the “Reta de Botargas”, a tournament that combined sport, community, and social reintegration. The event took place on the world cup pitch temporarily set up at the Glorieta de los Insurgentes, a space that has come to life in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup.
The most striking aspect of the event is that the very playing field was made by incarcerated individuals from the Reclusorio Preventivo Varonil Norte. The inmates created it under the Hazme Valer brand, a programme that promotes productive projects aimed at their social reintegration. Thus, the tournament not only served to entertain attendees but also to highlight the work done by the inmates.
Matches, penalties, and world cup trophies
The tournament featured 17 mascots representing different areas of the SSC: Jaguar, Corso, Semaforina, K8, Atenea, Andor, Guerrero, Anubis, Tanis, Prudencia, Zorro, Pixan, Zayu, Águila, Capibara, Los Ratoncitos, and Sonic. The matches were marked by flashy plays, penalty shootouts, falls, and humorous moments that attracted the attention of families and visitors who gathered around the pitch.
The final saw teams formed by Sonic and Zorro against Semaforina and K8. The match concluded with a victory for Sonic, representing the Undersecretariat of the Penitentiary System, and Zorro, from the Task Force Group. Both received recognition from the audience, who cheered throughout the match.
At the end of the day, the undersecretary of the Penitentiary System, Andrés Ponce Aceituno, led the award ceremony. He presented trophies shaped like the World Cup to all participating mascots and also acknowledged the work of the referee of the tournament. He highlighted the enthusiasm and commitment of the SSC staff, noting that, in addition to their security functions, they promote teamwork, community, and physical activity.
A pitch with a second chance
The capital's department has reported that this activity is part of the actions leading up to the 2026 World Cup to strengthen integration among the different areas of the corporation. At the same time, it aims to highlight the productive work carried out by incarcerated individuals as part of their social reintegration process. The pitch, built by the inmates, is a tangible example of how sport and work can open doors.
For readers interested in social reintegration, this event demonstrates that initiatives like Hazme Valer create real opportunities. The products made by the inmates, from furniture to sports items, are marketed under this brand, and the proceeds go to the inmates themselves and their families. The SSC hopes that actions like this continue to foster a culture of effort and second chances.
The tournament was held in a festive atmosphere, with music and entertainment, and attendees were able to enjoy a different spectacle. The Glorieta de los Insurgentes transformed for a few hours into a small stadium where the ball rolled to show that, even behind bars, a better future can be built. The next 'Reta de Botargas' event does not yet have a date, but the SSC is already considering repeating the experience in other boroughs of the capital.
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