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From concrete walls to open skies: Meet Chile's first rugby team created inside a prison
Rugby Unión Libertad was officially registered in January with 27 players training regularly to promote discipline and reduce recidivism, helping inmates reintegrate into society.
- In mid-January, Rugby Unión Libertad was officially registered as Chile’s first rugby team formed inside the Valparaíso Penitentiary Complex, following a professional schedule of three days field training, two days gym, and weekend matches.
- Originally launched in 2016 as a workshop led by the Addiction Treatment Center, the project attracted about 50 inmates and gained gym permission in 2022.
- Participation requires good behaviour, and two coaches travel about 120 kilometers thrice weekly to lead training at Valparaíso Penitentiary Complex, emphasizing discipline and anger management.
- The team left prison in 2024 to face Los Cóndores, gaining national TV exposure, and the Freedom Foundation was established in November to support released prisoners with training and counseling.
- Despite reported gains, reintegration hinges on job opportunities and reducing stigma, as Guillermo Velásquez, 42, who left prison seven months ago, credits rugby with saving his life.
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13 Articles
Associated Press News+11 Reposted by 11 other sources
From concrete walls to open skies: Meet Chile's first rugby team created inside a prison
Chile's first prison rugby team is transforming lives at the Valparaíso Penitentiary Complex. Rugby Unión Libertad mirrors a professional league's routine with intense training and weekend matches.
·United States
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 42%
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