CONADE

BUPA renewed its role as the official medical sponsor of the Mexican Paralympic Committee, providing checkups and insurance for athletes and coaches on the road to Los Angeles 2028.  On November 26, British United Provident Association (BUPA) announced its renewal as the official medical sponsor of the Mexican Paralympic Committee (COPAME) in preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.  The announcement took place at BUPA’s corporate offices with the presence of COPAME President Liliana Suárez Carreón; BUPA Mexico CEO Fernando Lledó; Paralympic gold medalist Juan Pablo Cervantes from Paris 2024; and standout boccia para-athlete Rosa Isabel Flores.      During the event, Fernando Lledó expressed gratitude and emphasized that this partnership ensures medical protection for athletes and coaches, fostering their development and promoting sports in Mexico. “For BUPA, it is a global commitment to contribute to COPAME and achieve great success for Mexican Paralympic sports,” he stated.  COPAME President Liliana Suárez highlighted the importance of adapted sports and celebrated this collaboration as part of the new Paralympic cycle. “Behind every medal, we must think about something very important: an inclusive world. Mexico and the world need us to talk about inclusion, and I congratulate BUPA for thinking about this,” she said.     In addition to financial support, BUPA will provide medical checkups for athletes and health insurance for coaches to ensure maximum safety and support in their preparation.  You might also like: Para Taekwondo resumed training after winning two medals at Paris 2024   Gold medalist Juan Pablo Cervantes expressed gratitude for this initiative, stating that such partnerships inspire athletes to move forward. “The medical area is very important, and this initiative motivates athletes to feel supported by great people on the road to Los Angeles 2028,” he said.  Finally, Rosa Isabel emphasized the commitment of Paralympic athletes ahead of Los Angeles 2028. “Thank you very much, BUPA, for this great support, and we are heading to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games,” she concluded. 

The Mexican junior diving team stood out at the 2024 World Championship in Brazil, leading the medal table with 4 golds and 2 silvers. The Mexican junior diving team made history at the 2024 Junior Diving World Championship held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, leading the medal table with four golds and two silvers, becoming the most outstanding nation in the event.  Rut Elisa Páez Manjarrez was the star of the competition, winning three gold medals in the 1-meter and 3-meter women’s springboard (14-15 years) and in the 10-meter synchronized platform (14-18 years), alongside Abigail González Roe. On the final day of competition, December 1, Páez secured the silver in the 10-meter platform, totaling 343.00 points, behind Australia’s Maggie Grey (375.70) and ahead of Ukraine’s Diana Shevchenko (330.60).  You might also like: Mexico concluded its successful participation in the 2024 World Series of Para Swimming in Guadalajara Other notable achievements included golds from Jesús Miguel Agúndez Mora and David Gabriel Vázquez Cio in men’s 3-meter synchronized (14-18 years), silver from Mateo Zacai Nolasco Zenteno in men’s 10-meter platform (14-15 years), and silver from Alejandro Flores Jiménez and Emilio Treviño Laureano in men’s 10-meter synchronized platform (14-18 years).  China ranked second in the medal table with three golds, one silver, and one bronze, followed by Ukraine with two golds, three silvers, and four bronzes.  The championship featured over 200 athletes aged 14-18, representing more than 40 countries. 

Vaslav Ayala Talavera, a Mexican taekwondo athlete and world medalist, is competing in his seventh World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship in China. He aims to bring his experience to the team in his final participation in this category.   Ayala, who has won gold and silver medals at the World Championships, has already arrived in China to compete in the 2024 Hong Kong Poomsae World Championship, taking place from November 30 to December 4. This will be his seventh appearance at a World Championship event in this discipline.      “I’m competing in the under-30 team event. This is my seventh World Championship, and I’m excited because I see a team working with great interest. There are many young athletes with inspiration and motivation to reach the top in this World Championship,” shared the capital-based taekwondo athlete with the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE).  Ayala, who won the mixed pair title alongside Veracruz’s Ollin Medina and secured the individual runner-up position at the Aguascalientes 2014 World Championship, stated that his experience will be a valuable contribution to the national team.  Also of interest: William Arroyo to compete at the Hong Kong 2024 Poomsae World Championship   “I want to take advantage of these moments to support the younger categories—cadets, juniors, and even my own category. If I have advice or any experience I can share, I want to contribute. There’s a 10-year age difference between the youngest competitor in my category and me, so I want to make the most of my experiences, especially since this is my last year in this category. I want to help others with whatever they need in their journey,” emphasized the taekwondo athlete from Mexico City.      Throughout his distinguished career, Vaslav Ayala has earned gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla, along with a silver medal at the 2015 Summer Universiade in Gwangju, among other significant achievements.  “Taekwondo has shaped my personality for much of my life. It has changed me in many ways. I was once an insecure person when making decisions, but now I’m very confident,” he reflected.  Finally, he advised young athletes: “Work hard for what you want, but more than hard, work with intensity and intelligence. I believe one quality that defines me is courage—necessary to overcome fears, defeat challenges, and achieve the goals we set for ourselves.”

The Mexican government held the 2024 National Sports Award ceremony at the majestic National Palace. The event, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, honored the most outstanding figures in seven sports categories, marking a milestone for the country’s athletes and coaches. RECOGNITION AND AWARDS This year, the highest sports distinction in the country included a diploma signed by the President, a 0.900 gold medal, and a monetary prize of 796,050 pesos. A total of 14 awards were given across various disciplines, including professional sports, Paralympic sports, and lifetime achievements. Non-professional sports Among the honorees were the Paris 2024 Olympic medalists: Osmar Olvera Ibarra: Silver in synchronized diving and bronze in individual. Juan Manuel Celaya Hernández: Silver in synchronized diving. Prisca Awiti Alcaraz: Silver in judo (-63 kg). Marco Verde Álvarez: Silver in boxing (71 kg). Professional sports Charlyn Corral, forward for Club de Fútbol Pachuca, was recognized for her extraordinary season with 18 goals, solidifying her status as one of the best Mexican soccer players. Paralympic sports Paralympic champions were also awarded: Gloria Zarza Guadarrama: Gold in shot put F54. Juan Pablo Cervantes García: Gold in 100 meters T54. HONORING COACHES AND OFFICIALS In the coaching category, the following stood out: Iván Rodríguez Lunaand Martín Velasco Soria, for their work in para athletics. Radamés Hernández Cázares, for his guidance in achieving Olympic medals. Additionally, Katia García Mendoza was recognized as the second woman to referee a Liga MX match, breaking barriers in sports officiating. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AND SPORTS PROMOTION The lifetime achievement category honored: Alejandra Orozco Loza, Olympic medalist in diving. Daniel Aceves Villagrán, a medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling and a promoter of Mexican sports. The Harp Helú Foundation, led by Alfredo Harp Helú, was awarded for its efforts in fostering and protecting sports in Mexico. COMMITMENT TO SPORTS The director of CONADE, Rommel Pacheco Marrufo, highlighted the effort and sacrifice of the athletes, calling the National Sports Award “the most important recognition for any athlete in Mexico.” He emphasized his commitment to providing future generations with better conditions for sports development. “The President’s most important directive has been to ensure that every child and young person has the tools necessary to develop their talent and reach their full potential,” Pacheco stated. WORDS FROM THE HONOREES Diver Osmar Olvera Ibarra, speaking on behalf of the athletes, expressed his excitement for this recognition, calling it another dream come true after his success in Paris 2024. “This award reflects not just our effort but also the support we’ve received. Thanks to the authorities, today we know we’ll never be alone,” Olvera said. Meanwhile, Paralympic medalist Gloria Zarza Guadarrama highlighted the impact of sports on inclusion and social transformation, urging stronger support for people with disabilities. “Talking about inclusion must mean talking about equality, respect, and opportunities. Sports change lives, and we will continue paving the way for more Paralympic athletes,” Zarza affirmed. A HISTORIC EVENT The event was attended by prominent figures, including Mexico City’s Head of Government Clara Brugada and high-ranking officials from the Secretariat of National Defense and the Navy. The 2024 National Sports Award not only celebrated the talent and dedication of athletes but also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting and developing sports as a driver of social transformation.

Cruz Azul, under the leadership of Martín Anselmi, suffered a surprising 0-3 loss to Xolos at the Estadio Caliente, complicating their future in the tournament. The first goal came in the 11th minute from Raúl Zúñiga, capitalizing on an error by Willer Ditta. Efraín Álvarez doubled the lead in the 18th minute, and as if that wasn’t enough, Jorge Sánchez was sent off for a foul on Zúñiga.  Before halftime, Emanuel Reynoso added a third goal for Xolos, leaving the “celestes” in a tough spot. In the second half, Anselmi made some changes to alter the flow of the game, but the team failed to react. Now, Cruz Azul will have to overcome the 0-3 deficit in the return leg at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes if they want to continue fighting for the championship.  You might also like: With a goal from “Santi” Giménez, Feyenoord salvaged a draw against Manchester City