Two Puerto Vallarta athletes returned home to a mariachi welcome at Puerto Vallarta International Airport after winning a combined nine medals for Mexico at the 2026 Down Syndrome World Championships in Bulgaria.
Francisca Rosario Pelayo Fuentes and Antonio Lamas Ávalos represented Mexico in track-and-field events, giving the city a proud international sports moment and highlighting the work of local families, coaches, and the Municipal Sports Council.
Pelayo Fuentes led the Vallarta medal count with six podium finishes: four gold medals in relay events and the 100 meters, silver in the 200 meters, and bronze in the long jump. Lamas Ávalos added three more medals, winning gold in the 4×100 and 4×400 relays and bronze in the 200 meters.
Local reports said family members, supporters, coach Armando Rodríguez, COMUDE director William Arredondo, and municipal officials greeted the athletes when they arrived back in Puerto Vallarta. The celebration underscored how adaptive sports programs can create opportunities for local athletes while giving younger competitors visible role models.
For visitors, the story is also a reminder that Puerto Vallarta’s sports culture extends beyond beaches and vacation events. The destination continues to develop athletes, host tournaments, and celebrate community achievements on an international stage.
