Miraists of Charlotte Enjoy a Saturday of Integration
Charlotte, North Carolina- With joy, healthy entertainment and fraternal unity, the MIRA USA group of Charlotte held their annual integration event in Pineville Lake Park located south of the city. Approximately 80 people, many of whom were relatives and friends of the miraists, participated in the “Join MIRA USA” event.
View pictures here.
Adults and children alike took advantage of the radiant sun and Saturday’s spring weather to participate in and enjoy the different competitions, raffles and games prepared by the miraistas to integrate the attendees.
Children participated in a costume contest after which they all received a reward. The youth and adults measured their ability to score in the popular and traditional Colombian game “el Sapo” (the frog). Participants had to show skill and ingenuity to win games such as the “sack race” and “stolen towel.” In addition to the games, everyone enjoyed cold drinks, hot-dogs and the delicious and refreshing “Cholados” which thrilled both the young and old.
Most of the attendees also completed a survey conducted by members of MIRA USA; its purpose was to explore the needs observed in the community. In the final segment of the event, the participants were given a presentation about the origin, philosophy and work done by the organization in Colombia and the United States; the presentation also served as an invitation for the attendees to become members of the team in Charlotte. The work being done by MIRA USA in Charlotte was also summarized: the delivery of breakfast to day laborers and the participation in civic events of the city, such as “Green Day.”
To culminate the event, the miraists presented a guest, Roberto Miranda, a Mexican laborer who writes “corridos” and who wrote and dedicated a poem to MIRA USA, in which he thanked the work group that distributes breakfast to the laborers on a weekly basis. Miranda typed the poem on a typewriter, titled it “MIRA’s Poem,” framed it and presented it to the group at the end of the event.