The Resistance Sport Club

The Resistance Sport Club, from the Second Division of Paraguayan football, has one of the most fanatic, extravagant and original members in the world, who has just been named an honorary member.

It is a Tajy, an old tree almost 20 years old, who received the card, a plaque, and a jersey from the Resistance Sport Club this Sunday, as part of the preparatory events for the institution's centenary, which will be celebrated on December 27.

The Tajy was born and grew up in a space that now occupies one of the stands of the modest stadium, whose capacity was expanded to accommodate 6,000 spectators.

"The choice was not to build the stand or build it and cut down the tree. But we chose to carry out the work while preserving this natural symbol," said Roberto Garcete, the president of Resistance.

Garcete added that the tribute to the lapacho was decided because it "means a lot" to all club followers and residents of the La Chacarita neighborhood, on the outskirts of Asunción, the country's capital.

"We feel very identified because the tree is tough and noble, just like us, the chacariteños," added the leader, highlighting the effort of all the neighbors and football lovers to carry out the initiative.

The La Chacarita neighborhood began to form in the first half of the 18th century with people dedicated to agriculture, despite the soil not being very favorable for cultivation.

It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Asunción and is also among those facing the greatest security problems in the Paraguayan capital, according to a survey conducted by the Non-Governmental Organization Safe Country.

"We are all humble people. From a marginalized area, but we do not feel marginalized," Garcete explained, adding that funds were raised for the works, which were added to the usual contributions from the Paraguayan Football Association (APF).

"The lapacho is a fan who always gives oxygen to his fellow fans when they need it most," commented Camilo Guanes from the advertising agency Oniria/TBWA, which also collaborated with the celebration.

The agricultural and forestry company Payco joined the celebration and donated 1,500 trees to be planted in the area, arguing that football is often a powerful collaborator in instilling responsibility for the environment in people's consciousness.

The passion for football transcends borders, languages, and now species, with the Paraguayan tree that has remained firm in the stands of the Resistance stadium, rain or shine, even with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, as is customary in Paraguay.

The extravagant member debuted in his new condition this Sunday at a party that ended with Resistance's 3-2 victory over Liberación, fueling hopes of promotion to the First Division at the end of the year.