This week marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month in the US, a celebration of the contributions and affect of Hispanic tradition to the nation’s achievements, tradition, and historical past.
Undoubtedly, Hispanic tradition has performed a giant a part of the successes of MAN v FAT Soccer in its first yr, with a spread of nationalities represented throughout our leagues in Florida, New York Metropolis and Texas.
As this yr’s Hispanic Heritage Month will get into full swing, we caught up with Danny Ocano, certainly one of our MAN v FAT South Miami members.
Danny, a 50 yr previous father of six and grandfather of 1, has been married for twenty-four years and, after some current well being considerations, determined MAN v FAT supplied an excellent resolution.
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 individual heritage and the way vital it’s to you and your identification
Honduran tradition is a wealthy mix of Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, marked by a robust 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 spiritual 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 referred to as Futbol, enjoys immense reputation in our neighborhood because of its accessibility, cultural significance, and unifying spirit. Firstly, soccer requires minimal gear—a ball and an open area—making it simple for folks of all ages and backgrounds to take part, so whether or not you’re a third world nation, or a worldwide energy anybody can take pleasure in, 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 by means of generations and celebrated throughout international 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 faculties, neighborhood Faculty, then as a father or mother I taught and coached the sport. Soccer runs in our blood.
4) How have you ever discovered your expertise on this system to this point?
I’m deeply grateful for this unimaginable weight reduction program, which not solely helped me shed some kilos however additionally it is bringing folks collectively, wonderful camaraderie and team-building experiences. The help and reference to everybody concerned is making my journey really 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 battle.
5) What has it been like assembly males such as you on this system and the way has your league neighborhood advanced?
Assembly different males engaged on weight reduction has been eye-opening. We’re all navigating comparable problem – balancing work, household, and health whereas combating cravings and previous 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 recommendations on fast exercises or meal preps that don’t suck. We additionally bond over the psychological facet – pushing by means of 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 help and the way usually do you get to observe your nationwide crew?
I characterize my metropolis and my nation. I observe most on line or on TV when doable…can’t actually afford these World Cup ticket costs!
My groups: Inter Miami with cheat code Messi, Honduras nationwide crew, 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 characterize Miami Dade County… Dolphins, Hurricanes, Warmth, Marlins & Panthers.
Hey guys, in case you’re eager about 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 true, sensible system and camaraderie.
We share suggestions, snicker 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 individual pores and skin. Be a part of us, and let’s make getting wholesome one thing you’ll really take pleasure in! JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE.