Águilas Rugby Club’s women’s squad received new sports equipment from Argentina’s Chaco Lottery last week. The club operates in Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, a city in the northern province.
President Lucas Apud Masín made the delivery himself. He visited the club’s facilities and met with players and coaches during the handover.
The timing couldn’t have been better. The women’s team just finished second at a national tournament in Córdoba province, and the new gear arrived right as they returned home.
Why This Matters for Provincial Sports
The lottery dedicates part of its gaming revenue to community projects across Chaco. Sports programs get regular support alongside education, health, and cultural initiatives.
And it’s not just about equipment. The club serves as a community hub for youth inclusion and athletic development in the region.
Apud Masín explained the lottery’s approach directly: “It is essential for us to accompany institutions that not only represent Chaco in tournaments but also serve as a space for community engagement and youth inclusion.”
Águilas currently has around 120 active players. They’re spread across infant, pre-juvenile, youth and senior divisions for both men and women. That’s a lot of athletes depending on adequate training resources.
What the Donation Includes
The new training gear will be used in both practice sessions and official competitions. Players got the equipment right before heading to the Córdoba tournament (though they already had it during that event based on the timeline).
Two club members play for Argentina’s national women’s rugby team, Las Yaguaretés. Talia Jorgelina Rodich and Cristal Escalante represent Chaco at the highest level.
Rodich plays as a forward. She thanked the lottery after receiving the donation: “Thank you so much for supporting us. Everything will be used to keep growing and performing at our best.”
The specific items weren’t detailed, but training equipment for rugby typically includes practice jerseys, balls, protective gear, and conditioning tools.
How Gaming Revenue Supports Local Teams
Provincial lotteries in Argentina channel funds into community development programs. Chaco’s lottery follows this model by backing local sports clubs that compete at provincial and national levels.
Buenos Aires Province Lottery and Telekino made similar donations to football clubs recently. It’s becoming a pattern across Argentina’s gaming sector.
The support helps clubs like Águilas compete while serving their communities. Equipment donations reduce financial pressure on organisations that rely heavily on volunteer work and player fees.
For clubs with national-level athletes, the backing matters even more. It allows them to maintain training standards that match their competitive ambitions without pricing out younger or less experienced players who also need access to quality facilities and gear.