Copa Airlines, adidas and Motta Internacional Launch “Encestando Sueños” to Transform Lives of Over 735 Young Panamanians
Copa Airlines, through its Despega Foundation, together with adidas and Motta Internacional, has introduced the “Encestando Sueños” program—a sports and educational initiative aimed at positively impacting children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 17 in Panama City, Colón, and West Panama.
The first phase will directly benefit more than 735 young people, who will receive technical basketball training, values-based education, and academic support.
Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines, emphasized: “At Copa, we firmly believe in sports as a powerful tool for instilling values, fostering a sense of belonging, and opening up new opportunities.”
A Strategic Alliance with a Forward-Looking Vision
The program is made possible through the joint efforts of Copa Airlines, adidas, and Motta Internacional, with support from ASSA, the Panamanian Basketball Federation (FEPABA), the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA), and the Panamanian Sports Institute (PANDEPORTES).
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The collaboration includes funding, logistics, technical training, and corporate volunteering, enabling employees from all three companies to actively participate in mentoring and supporting the beneficiaries.
Three-Phase Program Structure
“Encestando Sueños” will be carried out in three key stages:
1. Initial phase (2025): Training and skills assessment, including instruction for coaches, teachers, and trainers.
2. Second stage (March–December 2026): Opening of the High Performance Center (CEARE) in partnership with FEPABA, featuring scouting processes, sports camps, and academic reinforcement activities.
3. Consolidation phase (minimum three years): Sustained support from strategic partners to ensure the long-term development of Panamanian basketball, with a 10-year vision.
Supporting Voices
Salvador Mothe, Vice President of Wholesale at adidas Latin America, highlighted the social reach of the initiative: “Encestando Sueños supports young people from their first steps in sports through their holistic development. This is only the beginning.”
Erasmo Orillac, CEO of Grupo Motta Internacional, emphasized the importance of reviving Panama’s basketball tradition: “We aim to expand its reach, instill passion, and spark interest in every corner of the country.”
Expected Impact
The first edition, which will take place between August and December 2025, will include 46 teams and 22 sports academies. By 2026, coverage is expected to double, incorporating at least two divisions per team.
Parents, schools, and interested youth can find more information and register at encestandosueños.com.
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