Floodlights arrived to Mariana’s neighborhood, who, in this type of lighting, sees the possibility not only of improving living standards in her community, but also for illuminating her passion: volleyball.
Ever since 2005, Enel Peru began an ongoing campaign which was named “More light for sports”, which has benefitted more than 100,000 persons, who live in the company’s concession area, and who have practiced sports or participated in integration activities in some of the 107 illuminated playing fields. This campaign currently continues with intense activity, as mentioned by the Head of Sustainability of Enel Perú, Maria del Rosario Arrisueño: “Every day we get letters form grassroots organizations in the different districts, asking us to light up their sports field. We are very proud to be able to help them”.
Sports such as soccer and volleyball seem to be the activities preferred by the younger ones, and today, the illuminated fields allow them to enjoy a pleasant environment where they may practice their favorite plays over and over again.
To illuminate the fields is also more than promoting sports. Through cultural activities, the neighbors in the surroundings integrate and become active agents for change within their communities. Yoga and tai chi workshops, for elderly people, are among the examples of that, where electric power accompanies them, fostering an improvement in their lifestyles and their health.
Innovation that generates opportunities
Out of the 107 illuminated playing fields, field number 106 has a special characteristic: it generates zero pollution, becoming the first sports field with LED lighting in Peru. The lighting fixtures last approximately7 years, in contrast with 3 or 4 for conventional ones. They take no time in lighting up and produce no heat or polluting gases.
The commitment towards more sustainable technologies is a source of pride for Enel, since it forms part of its global commitment to combat climate change. “Illuminated sports fields generate a new ecosystem where people come out to practice different sports. In addition, the creativity of the Peruvians emerges and different businesses surge around them”, commented Maria del Rosario.
In all lighted sports fields, business opportunities are gates leading to economic benefits.
The facilities concentrate an important number of visitors, which, thanks to their powerful lighting, enables people to think in terms of options towards starting businesses, with a view towards making progress.
Enel wishes to boost community development. The illumination of sports fields is an initiative towards improvement of the surroundings, recreation, sports, and people’s involvement.