Guadalajara’s Formula One racing driver Sergio”Checo” Perez took time off from the track last week to open a new therapy center for physically disadvantaged children on the outskirts of Guadalajara.

The Centro de Estimulación Multisensorial is operated by Fundación Juntos por los Demás, and is supported by Perez’s own charitable foundation.

The Force India driver said he has been “very fortunate” in his life and it was “a blessing from God” that he is now able to give something back to needy children.

The center is being equipped with state-of-the-art technology and will benefit around 150 children with varying physical problems.

Perez, whose foundation has been operating for three years, said he not only wants to help fund  these kinds of projects, but also spend as much time as possible with the disadvantaged children. 

The Guadalajara-based charity Fundación Juntos por los Demás was founded in 2006 and targets children from families with limited resources. According to its website, over the past year it has provided 1,600 group therapies, 1,200 individual therapies, 145 medical consultations and 200 psychological consultations. For more information see www.juntosporlosdemas.com.mx.

Perez in Belgium

Perez returns to racing this weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix. He is currently in 15th place in the Formula One standings with 15 points.  Leader Lewis Hamilton has 202 points.

Mexico stages its first F1 race for 23 years on Sunday, November 1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.  

Perez said the chance to race in a F1 grand prix in front of his home fans is nothing less than “a dream come true.”