FEBRUARY 6, MEXICO CITY – The Olympic Committee of Mexico (COM), Olímpicos Mexicanos, Medallistas Olímpicos Mexicanos and the Special Olympics Mexico movement, joined forces to work for the inclusion of athletes with intellectual disability, in an event that also saw the official appointment for Special Olympics Mexico Ambassadors and the delivery of sports equipment for our athletes.
The various organizations were represented by:
- Carlos Padilla Becerra, President of the Olympic Committee of Mexico (COM)
- María del Pilár Bazán Ruiz, PhD, Executive Vice-president and National Director for Special Olympics Mexico
- Dr. Daniel Aceves Villagrán, President of the Medallistas Olímpicos de México (Olympic Medallists of México) and the Asociación de Olímpicos Mexicanos (Mexican Olympians Association)
- Carmen Fernández Cáceres, Director of the Youth Integration Centers
- María del Carmen García, Secretary of the Executive Board for the Olympic Committee of Mexico
- Gustavo Salazar Ortíz, member of the Board, Olympic Committee of Mexico
- Ambassador and Special Olympics Mexico athlete, Rodrigo Morales Martínez
- Karla Lara, Special Olympics Mexico Ambassador
- Special Olympics Mexico athlete and medalist, Mildred Italia Benítez Sanabria
They participated in the signing of the alliance between Mexico’s Olympic organizations and Special Olympics, committing to fostering social inclusion and the values of Olympians.
The event also featured the official appointment of the following Special Olympics Mexico Ambassadors:
- Francisca Lozano, actress. Protagonist of the feature film “Romina.” She has participated in TV shows, short films in both English and Spanish, and diverse theatre plays.
- Oscar Soto, Olympic pentathlete (Beijing 2008, London 2012) and Central American Games champion (Cartagena 2006, Mayagüez 2010), gold medallist in the Panamerican Games (Guadalajara 2011) and silver medallist in the Sidney Junior World Championships (2002).
- Rodrigo Morales, actor and proud athlete of Special Olympics Mexico. Has roles in “Like, la leyenda” and “Cambiando Modelos..” Currently practices tennis.
- Janette Ortiz, athlete. Certified by Sport City University; aqua-fitness, running, cycling and horse-riding coach.
- Mariel Hawley, swimmer, professional speaker, attorney and author.
- Gina Castro, Theatre and Television actress. TV and Radio personality. Networker and business owner focused on nutrition and healthy eating.
- Karla Lara, author, professional development consultant, speaker and life-coach. CEO of Neurofitness.
- Gerardo Villar, photographer, diver, entrepreneur, producer & actor.
Last but not least, Carlos Padilla Becerra made the formal delivery of sports kits and equipment for the athletes with intellectual disabilities attending the event. Special Olympics Mexico athlete Rodrigo Morales responded, “In the name of all the athletes of Special Olympics Mexico, and our families, we want to thank each and every one of the Ambassadors and Partners for their invaluable support in promoting and communicating to Mexican society our constant efforts and dedication to integrate and be included in society, to be seen all across Mexico. Thanks to these partnerships, a lot of us have the opportunity to get jobs and improve our quality of life through programs that foster sports and our health and well-being.”
