Yankees Celebrate HOPE Week 2025 in the Dominican Republic
Boca Chica, D.R. – The New York Yankees organization is preparing to celebrate a new edition of HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) at their academy in the Dominican Republic. This event, which will take place from June 3rd to 6th, will include a series of charitable activities in collaboration with local institutions that work for the benefit of people with disabilities, children with special health conditions, and young people in vulnerable situations.
For four days, players, coaches, and academy staff will join in social impact initiatives, bringing hope and joy to communities facing significant challenges.
Activity Agenda
- Tuesday, June 3rd: Visit to Futurum Educandi, an institution that promotes the labor inclusion of people with disabilities in the hotel sector. The Yankees will share a lunch prepared and served by the students of the program.
- Wednesday, June 4th: The academy will receive Special Olympics athletes for a friendly softball game. This activity will be supported by Jompéame, a Dominican fundraising platform for social causes.
- Thursday, June 5th: The players will receive children from the FACCI foundation (Friends Against Childhood Cancer Foundation) at the academy for a tour of the facilities, integration activities, and recreational moments.
- Friday, June 6th: The Yankees will accompany 15 children from the Casa de Luz foundation, which provides comprehensive care to children with severe disabilities, in an unforgettable experience at a Boca Chica beach club. For many of these children, it will be the first time they see the sea.
Melissa Hernandez, player development assistant and team education, expressed her gratitude to the allied organizations:“This week represents the true spirit of the Yankees: being close to the community, sharing with those who need it most, and developing players not only in sports, but also in the human aspect,” highlighted Joel Lithgow, director of the Yankees academy for Latin America.
Joel Lithgow, director of the Yankees academy for Latin America
The organization also thanked the companies and institutions that provided their support to make this solidarity week possible, including Almacenes Unidos, Mercasid, Biviana Riveiro, Le Buffet, and the National Institute of Physical Education (INEFI), whose support was key to the successful development of the program.“We are deeply grateful to Futurum Educandi, Special Olympics, Jompéame, FACCI, and Casa de Luz for opening their doors and allowing us to be part of their mission. These experiences impact our players and leave a lasting mark on everyone.”
Melissa Hernández, Player Development and Education Assistant of the team
HOPE Week is a social responsibility initiative that the Yankees have been developing since 2009 in the United States and countries where they have a presence, such as the Dominican Republic. This 2025 edition reaffirms the organization’s commitment to the comprehensive training of its players and support for the communities that surround them.
