A tournament with purpose
The 2026 Amerigol LATAM Cup has taken on a dual mission: to crown champions in youth hockey while assembling food, clothing and other essentials for the thousands of Venezuelans who have been displaced by a recent earthquake that claimed more than 6,000 lives. Organizers say the response from participants and spectators has been unprecedented, turning each game into a conduit for humanitarian relief.
Among the competitors is 13‑year‑old Justin Orbegozo, a forward from Coral Springs, Florida, who flies to the tournament with his family while carrying the weight of a personal tragedy. Relatives of his are among the victims in Venezuela, and the teen says the competition offers both a distraction and a chance to give back.
Juan de Dios Singer, president of the Venezuelan Hockey Association, has praised the event as a powerful demonstration of solidarity. “Seeing our neighbors from across the continent rally around our families is a reminder that sport can heal,” he said in a recent interview.
Solidarity on the ice
The tournament’s schedule features teams from 16 nations, including Argentina, Brazil and the United States, each bringing not only skill but also donations of supplies. Brazil secured a bronze medal in the U12 Select division, while Venezuela earned silver, underscoring the competitive spirit that coexists with the relief effort.
Ana Pena, a mother from Caracas, describes the emotional paradox of cheering for her son’s performance while remembering those she has lost. “Every goal feels like a tribute to those who are no longer here,” she explained, her voice trembling as she watches the games.
Venezuelan parents have expressed deep gratitude toward opposing teams, particularly Argentina and Colombia, which have dispatched rescue groups and packed bags of clothing to the relief hub. The outpouring of support extends beyond borders, with rinks in Palm Beach and Wellington contributing entire pallets of aid.
For many, the LATAM Cup has become more than a competition; it is a living testament to how a shared love of hockey can translate into tangible hope for a nation rebuilding after disaster.