Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - The athletic delegation from the State of Jalisco swept the 2016 National Paralympics, which were held in Acapulco, Guerrero, from June 8-16 with the participation of about 3,500 athletes with disabilities.

The eight Puerto Vallarta athletes selected to be on the Jalisco team in the 2016 National Paralympics not only reached their goals of winning eight gold medals and exceeding last year's performance, but also helped the state of Jalisco win its thirteenth consecutive title as the National Champions of the fiercest adapted sports competition in all of Mexico.

The director of the Municipal Sports Council (COMUDE), José Amador Hernandez Madrigal, reported that overall the Puerto Vallarta team, coached by Erika Santillan Ramirez, won eleven medals (eight gold, one silver, and two bronze) in the 2016 games, exceeding the seven medals (four gold, one silver and two bronze) won by PV athletes in the 2015 National Paralympics.

In the first round of competitions, which took place from June 8-11, Puerto Vallarta's Antuán Saade Medellín won two gold medals in swimming, specifically in the 50 meter freestyle and 50 meter breaststroke contests. In addition, April Guadalupe brought home the gold for shot put and the silver medal for discus.

In the second round of competitions, which were held from June 13-15, Emilia González Chanes won four gold medals in swimming: the 50 meter freestyle, 100 freestyle, 100 meter breaststroke and 100 meter backstroke; and María Sarait Zepeda Castillo brought home the long jump gold as well as two bronze medals in athletics.

The State of Jalisco once again proved their dominance in sport on a national level, winning a total of 224 medals, 130 of which were gold. The delegations from the states of Mexico and Nuevo Leon took second and third places in the 2016 National Paralympic competitions, winning 97 and 92 gold medals, respectively.

2016 National Paralympic Overall Results

After the sweeping victory in Guerrero, the Director General of Code Jalisco, André Marx Miranda, said he was very pleased with the Jalisco athletes' performance at this event. "This undoubtedly is the beginning of many more successes to come. They started out on the right foot by maintaining the national title and no doubt they'll have many more victories in the future. Governor Aristóteles Sandoval is looking forward to meeting with these great champions to acknowledge the effort they have made, congratulate them, and wish them future success." he said.

"This victory would not have been possible without the support of the parents and coaches who motivate these athletes to give it their all every day," André Marx added.