Background and Relevance
Mario Delgado Carrillo, the Secretary of Public Education (SEP), represented Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo at the abanderamiento (flag-raising ceremony) of Mexico’s delegation for the Panamerican Junior Games in Asunción, Paraguay. The event took place at the CNAR’s Ball Court Sports Pavilion, with Rommel Pacheco Marrufo, the Conade’s General Director, and María José Alcalá Izguerra, the President of Mexico’s Olympic Committee (COI), in attendance.
The Mexican Delegation
The Mexican delegation consists of 391 athletes from 39 disciplines, comprising 183 multidisciplinary teams. These athletes will participate in the 20-day Panamerican Junior Games, which serve as a qualifying event for the upcoming Panamerican Games in Lima, Peru, and the Olympics.
SEP Chief’s Speech
Delgado Carrillo emphasized the crucial link between education and sports, stating that they work together to build a more prosperous nation. He praised the athletes’ discipline, perseverance, and passion, affirming that they embody the goals of the Vive saludable, vive feliz strategy, which promotes holistic development in educational communities to create a stronger, healthier, fairer, and more fraternal country.
He also highlighted the importance of a healthy body and an open mind, noting that sports foster character and values while education nurtures young minds capable of transforming the world from their respective spaces.
Conade Director’s Remarks
Rommel Pacheco Marrufo acknowledged the athletes as role models for millions of children across Mexico. He emphasized that the current administration recognizes sports’ role in promoting community well-being and steering clear of addiction and violence.
COI President’s Statement
María José Alcalá Izguerra praised President Sheinbaum Pardo’s commitment to sports and physical culture, as well as the SEP’s support through Delgado Carrillo.
Athlete’s Perspective
Melanie Nahomi Jimenez Villaba, a female wrestler, expressed that the abanderamiento ceremony signifies more than just receiving a flag; it represents the nation’s trust and commitment to its athletes. She acknowledged her fellow athletes, coaches, and multidisciplinary teams representing Mexico in the Panamerican Games.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who represented President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo at the ceremony? Mario Delgado Carrillo, the Secretary of Public Education (SEP).
- What is the purpose of the Panamerican Junior Games? These games serve as a qualifying event for the upcoming Panamerican Games in Lima, Peru, and the Olympics.
- What does the SEP Chief emphasize about education and sports? Delgado Carrillo stressed the vital connection between education and sports, highlighting how they work together to build a more prosperous nation.
- What role do athletes play according to the Conade Director? Rommel Pacheco Marrufo described athletes as role models for millions of children in Mexico, emphasizing sports’ contribution to community well-being and diversion from addiction and violence.
- What recognition did the COI President highlight? María José Alcalá Izguerra praised President Sheinbaum Pardo’s commitment to sports and physical culture, along with the SEP’s support through Delgado Carrillo.
