Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Mayor Estefanía Mercado, accompanied by Mexican champion and global boxing reference Julio César Chávez, led the presentation of the 2025 Municipal Sports Award this Thursday, recognizing athletes, trainers, and promoters for their work and careers, as well as for elevating the name of Playa del Carmen at the state, national, and international levels.
The ceremony, held at the Leona Vicario auditorium in the new Municipal Palace, featured Mayor Estefanía Mercado emphasizing that “in Playa del Carmen, sports are not an expense, but an investment in the future.”
The mayor highlighted that sports are one of the areas where the character of the Playa del Carmen community is best reflected.
“We believe in our people, in their talent, in their capacity, and in their enormous strength to move forward, because sports practice teaches discipline, respect, humility, and strength, values that contribute to forming better people and a better municipality,” she added.
Estefanía Mercado thanked the presence of Julio César Chávez, whom she described as a reference for Mexico and an example of perseverance for new generations.
“Julio César, you represent the struggle, dedication, and strength of the Mexican people. You taught us that the greatest victory is not in winning all battles, but in never giving up,” she stated.
During her message, the Mayor emphasized that her government promotes the construction and rehabilitation of sports infrastructure, as well as the strengthening of programs and municipal teams. “Investing in sports is investing in health, values, and a healthy and safe path for our girls, boys, and youth,” she assured.
Sports, she said, are a key factor in strengthening the social fabric and building more united and peaceful communities; therefore, the effort of each athlete, trainer, and promoter does not go unnoticed. “Their work inspires and moves the community; it gives identity to Playa del Carmen.”
Finally, Estefanía Mercado recognized the work carried out by the Municipal Sports Institute and its head, Alberto López, attributing important advances in promoting physical activity and forming local talents to him.
The winners of the 2025 Municipal Sports Award, in eight categories, were:
- Sports press: Henry Omar Díaz Ávila
- Physical education teacher: Marcos Ariel Meléndez Uc
- Sports promotion: Club Chicos del Barrio (soccer)
- Local trainer: Katy Minelia Campos Argáez and Julio Gaspar Ramos Ramírez
- Adapted sports trainer: Yarelly Guillén Vega
- Conventional trainer: Juan Pastor León Hernández
- Adapted athlete: Larissa Esteban Gómez
- Conventional athlete: Jaziel Balam Canul
In addition to the official awards, special recognitions were given to outstanding athletes and promoters in disciplines such as roller skating, sailing, soccer, kickboxing, table tennis, and athletics. Among them:
- Ayell Vivas Ramírez, para-athlete
- Jerónimo Abogado, sailing
- Alejandro Leal, soccer referee and promoter
- Marco Pulido, table tennis
- Ernesto Peña Mérida, kickboxing
- Victoria Renata Sosa, soccer
- Génesis San Juan, kickboxing
- Jane Izabella García, soccer
- Jonathan San Juan, kickboxing
- Alitzel López, soccer
- Marcial Pineda, physical education teacher
- Daniele Gracis, sailing (posthumous recognition)
The presence of Julio César Chávez was applauded by families, trainers, and young attendees.
The 2025 edition set a participation record with 32 entries and marked the first time the Local Trainer category was included, aimed at those who promote popular sports and community physical activation, highlighted Alberto López, general director of the Municipal Sports Institute, during his welcome message.
Also present in the presidium were Eduardo Asencio, honorary president of the Municipal DIF; Saúl Barbosa, councilor; and Guillermo Brahms, chief officer of the City Council.
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