Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – MAN v FAT

This week marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in america, a celebration of the contributions and affect of Hispanic tradition to the nation’s achievements, tradition, and historical past.

Undoubtedly, Hispanic tradition has performed an enormous a part of the successes of MAN v FAT Soccer in its first 12 months, with a spread of nationalities represented throughout our leagues in Florida, New York Metropolis and Texas.

As this 12 months’s Hispanic Heritage Month will get into full swing, we caught up with Danny Ocano, considered one of our MAN v FAT South Miami members.

Danny, a 50 12 months outdated father of six and grandfather of 1, has been married for twenty-four years and, after some current well being issues, determined MAN v FAT supplied an important answer.

He gave us the lowdown about Hispanic Heritage Month and far more!

1) Please are you able to inform our viewers – particularly these within the UK – about Hispanic Heritage Month, and the way you have fun it there?

Hispanic Heritage month acknowledges the historical past, tradition, and important contributions of Hispanic and Latino People to our nation. The observance coincides with the independence days of a number of Latin American international locations and goals to honor the achievements and influence of individuals from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. The month serves as a time to have fun the wealthy variety of Hispanic and Latino cultures, from their traditions in household and meals to their roles in literature, arts, activism, and extra. 

2) Inform us a bit extra about your personal heritage and the way necessary it’s to you and your id

Honduran tradition is a wealthy mix of Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, marked by a powerful emphasis on household, community-focused festivals, and vibrant music and dance, significantly the energetic punta model. The tradition is characterised by heat, pleasant individuals who worth loyalty, particularly to household. Conventional delicacies options staples like beans, rice, and tortillas, whereas non secular traditions, particularly Catholic observances like Holy Week, are central to neighborhood life – our nation holds communities from all walks of life and socioeconomic positions. 

Soccer or higher often known as Futbol, enjoys immense reputation in our neighborhood as a result of its accessibility, cultural significance, and unifying spirit. Firstly, soccer requires minimal tools—a ball and an open house—making it simple for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to take part, so whether or not you’re a third world nation, or a world energy anybody can get pleasure from, particularly amongst youth.

Secondly, our neighborhood’s numerous inhabitants, with roots in international locations the place soccer is a cultural cornerstone, brings a deep ardour for the game, handed down via generations and celebrated throughout world occasions just like the World Cup. As a toddler I performed within the grime within the sand within the grass,  as I grew I performed for colleges,  neighborhood Faculty, then as a mum or dad I taught and coached the sport. Soccer runs in our blood.

4) How have you ever discovered your expertise on this system to date?

I’m deeply grateful for this unimaginable weight reduction program, which not solely helped me shed some kilos however it is usually bringing individuals collectively,  wonderful camaraderie and team-building experiences. The assist and reference to everybody concerned is making my journey actually rewarding! I’ve been on a well being decline as of late, little to no power, and this program has given me the motivation to not hand over however to combat. 

5) What has it been like assembly males such as you on this system and the way has your league neighborhood developed?

Assembly different males engaged on weight reduction has been eye-opening. We’re all navigating related problem – balancing work, household, and health whereas combating cravings and outdated habits. What we share is a drive for higher well being, whether or not it’s to maintain up with children, enhance confidence, or simply really feel higher day-to-day. Most guys I’ve linked with discover accountability helps, like sharing tips about fast exercises or meal preps that don’t suck. We additionally bond over the psychological aspect – pushing via plateaus and staying constant even when life will get hectic. It’s much less about competitors and extra about having one another’s backs.

6) Which soccer groups do you assist and the way typically do you get to observe your nationwide group?

I signify my metropolis and my nation. I observe most on line or on TV when potential…can’t actually afford these World Cup ticket costs!

My groups: Inter Miami with cheat code Messi, Honduras nationwide group, US ladies’s & males’s Nationwide groups. Going throughout the pond you discover Manchester Metropolis, a fan since 1999. Lastly due to my grandfather I maintain a particular place in my closet and coronary heart for Brazil & Germany.

Outdoors of soccer I signify Miami Dade County… Dolphins, Hurricanes, Warmth, Marlins & Panthers.

Hey guys, for those who’re occupied with getting more healthy, I can’t advocate our ManVFat program sufficient. It’s not nearly dropping weight—it’s about feeling stronger, sharper, and extra energized for all times. Once I began, I used to be skeptical, and insecure, however what hooked me was the actual, sensible system and camaraderie.

We share suggestions, chortle concerning the occasional pizza slip-up, and hold one another on monitor. It’s a judgment-free zone the place we have fun each step ahead, whether or not it’s dropping a number of kilos or simply feeling higher in your personal pores and skin. Be part of us, and let’s make getting wholesome one thing you’ll really get pleasure from! JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE.

An enormous because of Danny for his time in placing this collectively – and, equally, an enormous because of our guys throughout MAN v FAT Soccer for constructing some unimaginable communities!