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Eduardo Oderigo is the quintessential Spirit of Rugby. The man from Argentina was acknowledged for his contributions by World Rugby on Sunday. At the World Rugby Awards in Monaco Eduardo “Coco” Oderigo received the “Award for Character” a thank you from rugby for his work at Espartanos.
A criminal lawyer, Eduardo Coco Oderigo spent 15 years working in the courts of Buenos Aires before a visit to Unit 48 at San Martin prison gave him the idea of teaching rugby and its core values to the inmates.
Fundación Espartanos was born out of his desire to help prisoners reintegrate into society and weekly training sessions began in 2009. Eight years on, more than 500 prisoners are involved in the programme which has spread throughout Argentina, supported by local clubs and coaches.
In this time many prisoners have changed their lives and learnt new values, helping to reduce the reoffending rate of those released from Espartanos to fall dramatically to just two per cent.
The contribution that Coco has made to the lives of all involved is unquestionable. In being acknowledged by World Rugby it means the sport’s highest possible entity is indeed confirming that he is the quintessential Spirit of Rugby.
In Argentina rugby is considered an important live-shaping sport, especially for youth. Yet through Coco it is underlined that it is never too late. The special power of rugby in what is an important member of the global game have combined in a truly unique manner.
Americas Rugby News joins World Rugby in celebrating the accomplishments of Coco. Gracias!
