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 variety 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, one among our MAN v FAT South Miami members.

Danny, a 50 12 months 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 rather more!

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

Hispanic Heritage month acknowledges the historical past, tradition, and important contributions of Hispanic and Latino Individuals to our nation. The observance coincides with the independence days of a number of Latin American nations and goals to honor the achievements and influence of individuals from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. The month serves as a time to have a good time the wealthy range 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 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 fashion. 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 generally known as Futbol, enjoys immense recognition in our neighborhood as a consequence of its accessibility, cultural significance, and unifying spirit. Firstly, soccer requires minimal tools—a ball and an open area—making it straightforward 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 take pleasure in, particularly amongst youth.

Secondly, our neighborhood’s various inhabitants, with roots in nations the place soccer is a cultural cornerstone, brings a deep ardour for the game, handed down by generations and celebrated throughout world occasions just like the World Cup. As a toddler I performed within the filth 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 date?

I’m deeply grateful for this unbelievable weight reduction program, which not solely helped me shed some kilos however additionally it is bringing individuals collectively,  wonderful camaraderie and team-building experiences. The assist 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 quit however to battle. 

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 comparable problem – balancing work, household, and health whereas preventing cravings and previous habits. What we share is a drive for higher well being, whether or not it’s to maintain up with youngsters, increase 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 facet – pushing by 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 symbolize my metropolis and my nation. I observe most on line or on TV when attainable…can’t actually afford these World Cup ticket costs!

My groups: Inter Miami with cheat code Messi, Honduras nationwide group, US girls’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.

Exterior of soccer I symbolize Miami Dade County… Dolphins, Hurricanes, Warmth, Marlins & Panthers.

Hey guys, in the event you’re occupied with getting more healthy, I can’t suggest 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, snigger concerning the occasional pizza slip-up, and preserve one another on monitor. It’s a judgment-free zone the place we have a good time each step ahead, whether or not it’s shedding a couple 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 truly take pleasure in! JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE.

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