By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
The City of Del Rio Police Department held its first Stand Up, Speak Out Anti-Bullying Rally Saturday at the Urban Oasis at the Del Rio Civic Center.
The police department invited the community for an evening of games and food along with keynote speakers and booths and vendors providing local mental health and wellness resources.
Sergeant Jesus Galindo said the goal of the rally was to use it as a “confidence-building event.” He said they wanted to show the community the variety of resources available for yourself or to help someone else.
“If you are looking to do something whether as a hobby or looking for something after high school, these (resources) are options we wanted to have out there, and we’ve put it out to the community and the community has given us a huge amount of support and helping put this together,” Galindo said.
Some of the speakers invited to the rally included San Felipe Del Rio CISD Athletic Director Frenchey McCrea, Claudia Lopez from BCFS Health and Human Services, and Mayor Al Arreola.
The keynote speaker for the event was former Major League Baseball player, and current Mexican League player, Jack Mayfield. Mayfield is a graduate of Del Rio High School and played for the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels before spending this past season with the Toros de Tijuana.
Galindo said they had 14 health and wellness vendors and seven different law and enforcement agencies. Some of the vendors who attended included BCFS Health and Human Services, Hill country Mental Health and Developmental Centers, and the Val Verde Regional Medical Center. The Box Scene Academy also had a demonstration in regards to youth boxing and played a video that showcased some of the training that their fighters take part in as part of their training.
The U.S. Army recruiters held their booth promoting their benefits and the contracts they provide for people who are interested in committing with them. Harvey Sanchez, recruiter, said the army practices anti-bullying daily.
West Texas Counseling & Guidance promoted its local counseling services where they provide various types of therapy. Marysol Y. Musquiz, licensed master social worker, said they find a way to provide help to individuals through their agency.
Arreola read a proclamation stating Sept. 23 would be Del Rio’s Stand Up, Speak Out Ant-Bullying Day. Galindo said they are looking to carry out this event yearly.
