The undersigned are parents, friends, and alumni of Belen Jesuit’s Crew team who humbly ask for CEMEX’s continued support of our team.  First, we wish to express our gratitude for the hospitality CEMEX has extended to us.  The lake adjacent to your Sweetwater (Miami, FL) facility that the team has used as a practice venue for +15 years, has been one of the principal reasons of their success. Since its founding, the team has attained national recognition and won medals that are too numerous to list. Last year at Youth Nationals, everyone wondered how this small Jesuit school from Miami could possibly produce champions year after year.  Our boys are recruited by top colleges including Ivy League universities.  More important than these achievements is the sense of family that crew instills in all of us.  That so many of us from so many walks of life have come together to sign this letter speaks volumes as to the impact crew and CEMEX's support has had on so many lives.

As the boys enter the Spring season, they have no designated practice venue. As such, they must row at temporary locations far from school which results in reduced practice time. Despite these difficulties, their commitment and discipline has not waivered. They continue to practice daily until 6:30 pm, on weekends and many weekday mornings.  Further, as they strive for academic excellence, the added commute has shortened the amount of time they have for schoolwork. But despite these logistical difficulties and the loss of your lake, the boys have also lost a place they considered their home.  While we possibly could find another house for our team, we have considered your property our home.

We understand the County has approved the temporary use of the lake while awaiting its formal rezoning.  Thus, WE HUMBLY ASK THAT CEMEX ALLOW BELEN CREW TO RESUME USE OF THE LAKE.  We understand Cemex may be wary of liability it could potentially incur from our use of its facilities.  Rest assured, the school and parents are ready, willing and able to sign agreements releasing and holding Cemex harmless from any potential liability.

Should this letter find CEMEX at a crossroads on to how to proceed, then we would humbly ask that you consider the positive impact your generosity has had on our entire community.  We would gladly welcome a personal meeting with you and our boys so that you can see that they are truly extraordinary young men and so they can express to you how important your support has been.

If CEMEX has made a decision or makes a decision to not allow the crew team to use its facilities, then we would understand and harbor no ill will.  In that case, we would respectfully request that you advise us as soon as possible so that we can begin to look elsewhere.  In the meantime, should you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.