Puerto Vallarta will host the Intercontinental Games for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, from 9 to 12 June 2011. Organizers are expecting more than 1000 participants from a reported 10 countries.

Salvador Gonzalez Resendiz beamed with evident pride as he made the announcement at press in the destination of Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s Pacific coast. During his speech he enthusiastically thanked the various Institutions that collaborated to bring this project to fruition, consolidating Puerto Vallarta’s increasing stature and reputation as an international sporting destination.

Miguel Angel Garcia Meza, the president of the Mexican Federation of Special Athletes (FEMEDE), said the opening of the Intercontinental Games will be celebrated in the Mexican vacation destination of Puerto Vallarta on June 10 with a variety of athletic events that include bowling, cycling, dance, soccer and a marathon across the city.

He said that that the city was expecting to receive an approximate two thousand visitors including parents, athletes and executives, which will help build the Vallarta brand on an international level.

As part of this press conference, FEMEDE reported good results for Vallarta athlete Rosario Pelayo Fuentes, who represents our country in the First American Championship Swimming and Athletics for Persons with Down Syndrome held in Caracas, Venezuela. Pelayo has won several gold medals in the 100 and 400 meter dash, long jump and 4×100 relay, and a second place in 200 meter dash an important achievement for the young woman and our country.

The Intercontinental Games organizers met with the head of the Sports and Physical Culture Division of the IMSS, Ernesto Canto Gudiño, Councilman Carlos Efraín Yerena and deputy director of the Municipal Council for the Promotion Sports and Youth Support, Isaiah Buenrostro in preparation for the games.