ALTA LOMA, Calif., July 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- "One of Chile's greatest assets," writes Adrian Mercado, "is the infectious optimism of its people." In his new book, Where Condors Fly (now available through AuthorHouse), he shares his father's unique adventures that reveal the strength of spirit so ingrained in this country's culture.
Mercado begins by exploring the multicultural life his father, Cecilio, experienced while growing up among the nitrate mines of Iquique, Chile, "the driest place on earth." An energetic and imaginative boy, Cecilio was surrounded by Peruvian and Bolivian families that harbored ill feelings toward Chile and its people. Despite this, he maintained pride in himself and his family.
Cecilio witnessed tragic events that might have broken other people's spirits. When he was 11, he lay hidden on a tin roof at the edge of a plaza and watched a workers' rally taking place below. Before his eyes, soldiers sealed off the area and, Mercado writes, efficiently massacred more than 3,500 men, women and children.
Mercado also relates how Cecilio became a star soccer player by the age of 16. This good fortune came to an end, however, when his beloved mother died at the hands of "heartless gypsy healers." After this devastating twist of fate, Cecilio began an exciting odyssey that took him to the United States, the Caribbean and Venezuela. Through all his hilarious adventures and dangerous encounters, Cecilio met every experience as though it were a game to be played with skill, integrity and passion. As a father, he passed these stories on to Mercado, who has now captured the vibrancy for all to enjoy.
"This story is a must-read primer on how humor, wit, self-pride and courage become powerful tools when navigating the road blocks of life," Mercado writes.
Mercado was born in New York to Chilean and Venezuelan parents. A former teacher and businessman, he was also an all-star soccer player. He served as the national director of coaching for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), worked in major soccer-related media and wrote two popular coaching books: Youth Soccer Coaching Made Easy and Soccer Roundtable. In 1998 he was inducted into the AYSO Hall of Fame. He also produced an audiocassette language course, "English 2000."
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