Cancun, Quintana Roo — For the first time in its history, Quintana Roo is hosting the National Figure Skating Championship, a milestone that officials say reinforces the state’s growing role as a venue for major sporting events.
Jacobo Arzate Hop, president of the Quintana Roo Sports Commission (CODEQ), represented Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa at the opening gala of the 39th edition of the championship, held at Happi Arena. The event, which began May 18, features nearly 400 athletes from 11 states.
“We are very pleased to welcome around 400 athletes from different states of the country, in a discipline that continues to grow and open new doors for sports in Quintana Roo,” Arzate said. He noted that the championship also marks the 40th anniversary of the Mexican Federation of Ice Skating and Winter Sports (FEMEPASHIDI).
Competitors hail from Nuevo Leon, State of Mexico, Mexico City, Yucatan, Tabasco, Puebla, Queretaro, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Quintana Roo, and the National Polytechnic Institute.
Arzate highlighted the strong female participation, with approximately 85 percent of competitors — about 340 skaters — being women.
The championship also features Mexican Olympic athlete Donovan Carrillo, whose presence boosts the event’s national and international profile. Carrillo continues to compete as he prepares for the next Olympic cycle.
“Today, ice skating is part of the more than 55 sports disciplines practiced in Quintana Roo, reflecting how sports continue to diversify and grow,” Arzate said.
Ana Luis Aguilar Gamero, president of FEMEPASHIDI, thanked authorities for their support in making the event possible, calling it a historic moment for the sport and the state.
Local athlete Mayte Rodarte is expected to represent Quintana Roo in the competition.
Also attending the opening ceremony were Jesus Alcántara, director of Happi Arena; state deputy Mildred Ávila; and Alejandro Luna, director of the Institute of Physical Culture and Sports of Benito Juárez municipality.
