OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Space United is headed to Colombia for a historic mission!
Press Release
Space United to Take on Colombian Giants Atlético Nacional in Historic Exhibition Match to inspire youth with the exciting future of space and soccer
SEATTLE, WA – November 1, 2024 – Space United, a groundbreaking soccer organization founded by Colombian soccer athletes turned space engineers at SpaceX and Blue Origin, will face off against Colombian football giants, Atlético Nacional, inspiring the next generation to explore the exciting possibilities at the intersection of sports and space. This historic match, taking place on November 22, 2024 at 2pm (GMT-5) in Atlético Nacional's headquarters in Guarne, Antioquia, will kick off the 2nd Annual Colombian Sports Rocketry Competition organized by the ALAS Corporation, in an interactive event promoting aerospace education and encouraging students to design, build, and launch model rockets, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and a passion for science and technology.
Space United's members from the world's top space companies will compete against Atlético Nacional, judge the rocketry competition, and lead “Sports in Space” workshops. Students will design their vision of future sports in space, and send their designs to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket.
Space United Crew at The Museum of Flight (Seattle, WA)
All three organizations, Space United, ALAS, and Atlético Nacional are thrilled to combine forces to increase awareness and STEM opportunities, empowering communities throughout Latin America and beyond. For Camilo Tobacia, founder of Space United, this event represents a significant milestone in realizing the organization's mission that uses its roots and passion for soccer to open access to STEM and shatter the stereotypes around who belongs in STEM fields.
“We are honored to work with Atlético Nacional and ALAS Corporation and have this incredible and unprecedented platform to reach so many in our home country. This is STEM education reimagined. It speaks to the new generation and goes beyond the classroom to become a part of their lives–seamlessly integrating into their passions and social world with friends, family and community through soccer!” - Camilo Tobacia
Sebastián Arango, Atético Nacional President and Andrés Restrepo Sánchez, Director of Commercial and Marketing, shared their enthusiasm for the
upcoming event:
"We are deeply excited about participating in this friendly match with Space United FC and be a part of the Colombian Sports Rocketry Competition, which will undoubtedly be a milestone in promoting STEM education and space exploration. This event symbolizes not only collaboration between our clubs but also serves as a source of inspiration for young people and adults, motivating them to dream about the future of science and sport.” - Sebastian Arango & Andres Restrepo
ALAS Corporation, Space United and Atlético Nacional Leaders.
Furthermore, all organizations are excited to strengthen the bond between their organizations and communities and embark on additional impactful sports and space collaborations, inspiring a brighter future.
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ABOUT SPACE UNITED
Space United is a groundbreaking organization that's redefining the future of sports and space exploration. Founded by Latino space engineers, Space United leverages the global passion for soccer to inspire the next generation of diverse innovators. Through its network of recreational soccer clubs, STEM education programs, and youth academies, Space United is breaking down barriers and showing their soccer community that they too belong in the exciting and thriving future of space.
ABOUT ATLÈTICO NACIONAL
Atlético Nacional is one of the most prestigious football clubs in Colombia and South America. Known for its passionate fanbase and rich history, the club has consistently produced top-tier talent and achieved significant success both domestically and internationally. With a strong emphasis on youth development and community engagement, Atlético Nacional has made a significant impact on Colombian society. The club's commitment to excellence and fair play has made it a beloved institution, not only in Medellin but throughout the country and the world.
ABOUT ALAS CORPORATION
The ALAS Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting aerospace science and technology in Colombia. Founded by a group of passionate engineers and educators, the foundation aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Through initiatives like the Colombian Sports Rocketry Competition, ALAS is empowering young people to reach for the stars.