Pan Am Games: Para-Athlete Success & Carlos Peña Ortiz

Reynosa Para-Athletes Shine at Pan American Youth Games in Chile

A strong showing by athletes from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, at the Pan American Youth Games in Chile has been lauded by local officials, demonstrating the growing strength of para-table tennis in Mexico. The athletes’ success underscores the importance of municipal support for developing athletic talent on the international stage.

Did you know?-The Pan American Youth Games are a multi-sport event for athletes aged 15-18, serving as a developmental platform for future Paralympic athletes. This year’s games took place in La Calera, Chile, from November 2-10.

Mayor Ortiz Extends Congratulations

On Thursday, November 6, 2025, Mayor Carlos Peña Ortiz publicly congratulated the para-athletes from Reynosa for their representation of both Mexico and the state of tamaulipas at the prestigious Pan American youth Games. The Mayor’s office highlighted the dedication and skill demonstrated by the athletes throughout the competition.Ortiz emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering athletic excellence and providing opportunities for young athletes to compete at the highest levels.He stated the athletes’ performance reflects positively on Reynosa’s growing sports programs.

Notable Performances in Chile

Clara Guadalupe Olivares Martínez delivered a particularly noteworthy performance, securing fifth place in the T4 singles class and sixth place in the TT7 mixed doubles event. Fellow athlete, Ángel David Lorenzo Rubio, also showcased exceptional skill, achieving a strong showing in the group stage of the TT8 competition. Their participation highlighted a “high competitive level and sporting commitment,” according to a statement released by the Mayor’s office. Olivares and Lorenzo competed against athletes from across the Americas, facing challenging opponents and demonstrating resilience throughout the tournament. The Games concluded on november 10th, with Mexico securing a total of 32 medals.

Pro tip:-Para-table tennis classifications, like T4 and TT8, group athletes with similar functional abilities to ensure fair competition. These classifications are persistent by medical assessments.

Municipal Support Fuels International Success

The Municipal Sports Institute played a crucial role in preparing the athletes for the Games. The Institute provided complete support, including access to a dedicated coach, essential technical assistance, and the use of local facilities for training.This investment in athlete progress directly contributed to their success on the international stage. The Institute’s program,launched in 2023,focuses on identifying and nurturing para-athletes within the community,providing specialized training tailored to their individual needs. The program also offers support for travel and competition expenses.

The Institute’s commitment to providing resources for planning is strengthening the performance of Reynosa athletes in international competitions. This success serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes throughout Tamaulipas and Mexico, demonstrating the power of dedicated support and rigorous training.

Reader question:-What other sports are gaining traction with municipal support in Reynosa? Share your thoughts on how communities can better support para-athletes.