Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, June 25, 2026 – Puerto Vallarta honored Francisca Rosario Pelayo Fuentes and Antonio Lamas Ávalos after the two local athletes returned from the Bauhaus Down Syndrome World Championships Bulgaria 2026 with nine medals for Mexico.
Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía González led the recognition at City Hall, where the athletes, their families, and coach Armando Rodríguez were welcomed in the Salón de Cabildo.
The ceremony followed Pelayo and Lamas’ nine-medal performance in Bulgaria, where both competed in track and field and helped Mexico build a strong showing at the world championship.
Six golds, one silver, two bronzes
Pelayo won six medals in Bulgaria. She took gold in the 4×100 relay, mixed 4×200 relay, 4×400 relay, and 100 meters. She also won silver in the 200 meters and bronze in the long jump.
Lamas added three more medals. He won gold in the 4×100 and 4×400 relays, then took bronze in the 200 meters.
Together, the two Vallarta athletes returned with six gold medals, one silver, and two bronze medals.
Puerto Vallarta welcomed them home first
Before the City Hall ceremony, Puerto Vallarta welcomed the athletes at the airport with mariachi, family members, city staff, and representatives from COMUDE Puerto Vallarta.
Munguía, Chief of Staff Andrés González Palomera, and COMUDE director William Arredondo joined the airport reception. Local officials also said the municipality helped cover costs tied to the trip and competition in Bulgaria.
The wins came from Pelayo and Lamas, but the trip also depended on families, coaching, local sports staff, and public backing.
Mexico’s team made noise in Bulgaria
Mexico sent a 21-athlete delegation to the 2026 Down Syndrome World Championships, competing in athletics, gymnastics, and table tennis.
The delegation represented the Mexican Federation of Special Athletes, with support from the Mexican Paralympic Committee and CONADE.
Mexico opened the competition with 16 medals on the first day. Half came in gymnastics and half came in track and field.
Pelayo and Lamas became part of that larger national performance. Their results gave Puerto Vallarta a rare local sports story with world championship weight.
