El Gran Festival Colombiano/Colombian Festival (GFC) is an annual event that since 2014, from the City of Chicago, celebrates Colombian culture and traditions. This year will feature the participation of important artists such as ANA DEL CASTILLO, GRUPO GALÉ, HERNÁN GOMEZ, MR. BLACK, the recent Grammy Award winners TONY AND MIMY SUCCAR and more to be announced.
GFC has joined forces with the Chicago Police Soccer Club and the Southfork Foundation United (SFU) 's Play, Travel and Help initiative to host a soccer tournament that seeks to build lasting connections between the police forces of Colombia and the U.S.
In order to reaffirm the social commitment of the US police forces and their ties with Colombia, within the framework of the soccer tournament, sports equipment will be delivered to local schools and youth organizations in the Aburrá Valley.
As a prelude to what will be the eleventh edition of the El Gran Festival Colombiano/Colombian Festival (GFC), the organization of said Festival in company of the Chicago Police Soccer Club and the Southfork Foundation United (SFU), are undertaking an unprecedented social initiative in Colombia. In collaboration with teams from the Metropolitan National Police of the Aburrá Valley , they have organized a friendly soccer tournament as part of a larger mission of community development and cultural exchange. The matches between the different law enforcement agencies and the attending children, will take place this coming Thursday, February 6th at the Santa Helena soccer fields near the city of Medellín starting at 10 am, promising to be not only a display of camaraderie and fair play, but also a platform to build lasting connections between law enforcement agencies in both hemispheres and the community.
This alliance between police forces seeks to consolidate ties in three fundamental areas.
- Promote international cooperation between police forces: The exchange between the Chicago Police and the Aburra Valley Police goes beyond sports, allowing for the sharing of security strategies and community work. Through football, respect, trust and cooperation are strengthened, promoting safer and more integrated societies.
- Inspiring the community through sport: Football brings people together and transmits values such as discipline and respect. Through sporting events, the Chicago Police Department inspires new generations to see sport as a tool for social transformation, showing that it is a bridge for understanding and motivation.
- Promote a more humane and friendly image of the police: Sports initiatives bring the police closer to the community, demonstrating their commitment to social welfare. Through football, police officers in Chicago and Medellín build trust, strengthen their role as peacekeepers and reinforce the link between security, sport and education.
In order to reaffirm their commitment to giving back to the community, the Chicago Police Soccer Club and the Southfork Foundation United (SFU) have collected more than 3,100 pounds of new sports equipment, donating it to children and sports programs in Colombia. Beyond the soccer field, this initiative reflects the U.S. team’s strong commitment to making a positive impact by donating the equipment to local schools, youth organizations and sports programs in Colombia, promoting a lasting legacy and healthy, active lifestyles among Colombian youth.
“We are excited to be a part of this unique humanitarian mission and to use the universal language of soccer to connect with our colleagues in Colombia ,” said Chicago Police Soccer Club spokesperson PO Scott Florez , [Chicago Police Officer and Team Captain]. “Our teams not only compete on the field, but are also united in our commitment to positively impact the lives of children through the donation of sports equipment and food.” On the other hand, Lt. Elvis Ortega , special guest ambassador for the Chicago Police Department , states “The tournament aligns perfectly with the Gran Festival Colombiano ’s mission of promoting unity and understanding among diverse communities . ”
About: The Great Colombian Festival GFC
GFC/ Colombian Fest celebrates its 11th anniversary with exceptional music and passion. Colombia's culture is a mix of many great things, from its cuisine to its carnivals, its dance and its music of cumbia, vallenato and salsa. Colombian festivals are characterized by explosive colors, carnival costumes, boisterous music and passionate celebrations. GFC will be held on the NEIU campus, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, July 18, 19, and 20, 2025. GFC donates one dollar from each admission ticket to the NEIU Foundation's GFC Scholarship Fund .
For its eleventh edition, the main event will feature performances by important artists such as ANA DEL CASTILLO, GRUPO GALÉ, HERNÁN GÓMEZ, MR. BLACK , the recent winners of the Grammy Award TONY AND MIMY SUCCAR and more to announce.
More information at: www.colombianfestchicago.com
About: Chicago Police Soccer Club
The Chicago Police Soccer Club is made up of dedicated law enforcement officers who use their passion for soccer to build bridges with the community and promote positive interactions.
About: Southfork Foundation United (SFU)
At SFU, we believe that sport has the power to inspire, educate and empower women and children, providing them with opportunities to improve their lives and thereby building the foundations for a future where dreams are a possibility. Our vision is based on the premise that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background or personal circumstances, deserve the opportunity to grow and develop through play and sporting competition.
More information at: www.sfucolombia.org
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