Local Delights by Sami Rivero

Beginning mid-June, World Cup fever began its run through Peñasco, as well as across the globe. As I write this, sadly both the U.S. and Mexico have been knocked out of the tournament and the 8 teams to move on have been decided. Yet, whatever happens I am reminded at this time of the impact sports can have in bringing people together if only for a moment to cheer and gasp, celebrate and agonize or even hold our collective breath in waiting for that last shot. This feeling in June also rang through Peñasco’s sports bars during the NBA finals, the Stanley Cup, not to mention the National Basketball Championship hosted right here in Rocky Point.
So, as of June 11th I have been held hostage by the World Cup – well, that and with the road work in front of my office in the Old Port I prefer to work at home. I have woken up early to watch the 6:30 a.m. matches; I waved my U.S. flag and wore my blue bandana, I donned my Mexican team jersey from the ’96 Cup in Germany, but alas to no avail. After Mexico beat France 2-0 it was a thrill to hear cars honking as they drove by. When the U.S. was almost knocked out of the first round, only to bounce back with a fantastic goal in extended time, I about wore out the floor tile just from pacing back and forth.
As the summer wanes on in Peñasco, and many of us look to escape the heat, I am looking forward to wading into July with anxious anticipation to see who takes the Cup. I know, I know….though soccer is the national sport in Mexico, here in Sonora it seems to be baseball…and the U.S. is just starting to grab hold of the anxiety and delight of watching a 90 minute match that can wind up at 1-0. Yet, with everything else going on in the world – and even certain recent events here in Peñasco – I am glad to turn to the World Cup and lose myself in the drone of the vuvuzela.

By Jose Antonio Perez