President Enrique Peña Nieto delivers the National Sports and Sports Merit Award 2016

At the Official Residence of Los Pinos, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto presented the National Sports and Sports Merit Award 2016.

Taekwondo athlete María Espinoza, racewalker Guadalupe González, diver Germán Sánchez, pentathlete Ismael Hernández, and boxer Misael Rodríguez, who all stood on the podium at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, received the recognition in the non-professional sector.

"First and foremost, I want to highlight the honorable participation of all my colleagues, who are an example for future generations," said Ismael Hernández, speaking on behalf of all the awarded athletes.

"Those of us who have devoted our lives have loyalty, discipline, and commitment tattooed in our souls," added the pentathlete from Cuautla, Morelos.

In the Paralympic sector, the recipients of this honor were judoka Lenia Ruvalcaba, thrower Rebeca Valenzuela, sprinter Edgar Navarro, and thrower Luis Alberto Zepeda.

The National Sports Award was also given to judge Nubia Segundo, coach Hilario Ávila, and in professional sports, baseball player Roberto Osuna.

In the Sports Merit category, the awardees for performance and sports trajectory were María Cristina Hoffman (former table tennis player), Víctor Espinoza (jockey), and María Teresa Ramírez (former swimmer). Finally, Carlos Bremer was the winner of this award for promoting and fostering sports.

"2016 brought us great sporting achievements, not only medals, but also several athletes who placed in the top 10 in disciplines where we were not outstanding, which promises that Mexico will be in better positions in the upcoming Olympic Games. It is a great distinction and a great honor to present you with this award that you deserve. Ultimately, sports is an activity that unites everyone," said Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in his speech.

Alfredo Castillo, Director of the National Sports Commission (Conade), mentioned to President Enrique Peña Nieto that sports will work together in these two years.