"Acapulco is experiencing a very good and positive streak," expressed Governor Héctor Astudillo Flores, while inaugurating the World Shotgun Championship, with the participation of 236 shooters from 42 countries.
The event is organized by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), and includes the participation of 42 nations and 236 athletes, including seven Olympic medalists.
In the presence of the Secretary of National Defense (Sedena), Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, the state governor recognized the support and backing to ensure that the port of Acapulco continues to progress.
In front of the participating delegations, who gathered at the Shooting Range in the community of San Antonio, Astudillo Flores wished success for this tournament, which adds to the international events that put Acapulco on the world agenda.
"The governor of the state and the government of Guerrero are very pleased that you are here, that you are in Acapulco, that you are in Guerrero. We are encouraged by the fact that we have friends from Acapulco and Guerrero," he said.
He expressed gratitude for the support and confidence that has been given to this beach destination, with a strong international presence, as proven by the Mexican Tennis Open held in February, which adds to this International Shooting Cup.
In addition, the Banking Convention, Hydraulic Convention, and the Tourism Market will be held in the coming days, concluding with Holy Week.
Lastly, in his speech, he reiterated his gratitude to the National Commission of Physical Culture and Sports (Conade), as well as its director, Alfredo Castillo.
During the opening message, the President of the International Shooting Federation, Olegario Vázquez Raña, reaffirmed his support for the port and announced that Acapulco will once again be the host of this tournament in 2019, with the participation of delegations from over one hundred countries.
Next, the Secretary of National Defense, Cienfuegos Zepeda, carried out the official inauguration.
Before the ceremony, a parade of flags from countries including Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Ecuador, United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, United States, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Netherlands, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Russia, San Marino, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Venezuela took place.
Also, the Sports Oath was given by Mexican judge, Marcelino Palma, and the Athlete's Oath was given by athlete Dolores Eugenia Pachuca.
Present were the commander of the Eighth Naval Region, Juan Guillermo Fierro Rocha; the mayor of Acapulco, Evodio Velázquez Aguirre; and the Attorney General of the state, Xavier Olea.
Also in attendance were officials from the ISSF, as well as the President of the Mexican Shooting and Hunting Federation, Jorge Peña Soberanis, and authorities from all three levels of government.