260+ Youth Participate in Seasons of Nonviolence Track & Field Camp

ALBUQUERQUE – More than 260 youth from across Albuquerque gathered Wednesday evening at the Albuquerque Convention Center for a free indoor Track & Field Camp as part of the Seasons of Nonviolence initiative. The event brought together youth ages 8–18 for coaching, skill-building, and friendly competition in a safe, positive environment.

Hosted by the City of Albuquerque in partnership with Bernalillo County, Albuquerque City Council, Albuquerque Community Safety Department, Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department, 99.9 The Beat, and Zia Track Club, the camp emphasized teamwork, wellness, and healthy outlets for young people through sport.

“This is exactly what Seasons of Nonviolence is about, creating spaces where young people feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to reach their potential,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “When we invest in our kids, we’re investing in safer, stronger communities.”

Participants rotated through multiple track and field stations led by experienced coaches and mentors, giving many youths their first opportunity to try organized track and field in an indoor setting.

“Events like this show kids that their community believes in them,” said ACS Community Outreach Manager, Jeffery Bustamante. “By combining athletics with mentorship and positive engagement, we’re helping youth build confidence, discipline, and healthy connections.”

“Violence prevention starts long before a crisis,” said Bernalillo County Commissioner Chair Adriann Barboa (D3). “It starts with opportunities like this—where young people are active, supported, and surrounded by positive role models.”

“Seeing more than 260 young people bring their energy and drive into the Albuquerque Convention Center is what proactive community safety looks like,” said District 2 City Councilor Joaquín Baca. “By opening up world-class facilities right here in District 2, we’re showing our kids that we believe in them and are invested in their future. Seasons of Nonviolence reminds us that peace is something we practice every day, and giving our youth positive, structured opportunities like this track camp is how we build a safer, stronger Albuquerque.”

“When city government, county leadership, community organizations, and families come together around our young people, we send a powerful message: you matter, and your future matters,” said District 6 City Councilor Nichole L. Rogers. “Our youth are not just participants in today’s programs, they are the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow’s Albuquerque. When we invest in them together, we strengthen the future of this great city.”

The camp took place on the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation world class seasonal indoor track located inside of the Albuquerque Convention Center, a facility that regularly hosts local and national competitive track and field events and provides a professional-level environment for athletes.

Seasons of Nonviolence is a joint initiative between the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County focused on reducing violence through youth programs, community engagement, wellness support, and conflict-resolution efforts.

###

Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.