Young people from Tupungato excelled in national athletics tournaments.

Argentine youth athletics experienced two high-level competitive chapters in Mar del Plata and Rosario, with representatives from Tupungato present, delivering outstanding performances and returning with multiple podium finishes. With medals in both categories, the Mendoza department confirmed that it is experiencing a great sporting moment.

At the 25th U16 National Club Cup, held on April 2 and 3 in Mar del Plata, the young athletes from Tupungato excelled with outstanding performances. Maximiliano Maldonado was crowned national champion in the 2000-meter walk, while Martín Olmedo twice took the podium with silver medals in the 110 and 295-meter hurdles. The team also celebrated three third-place finishes: Eric Reyes in the shot put, Matías Acuña in the hammer throw, and the 5x80-meter relay team comprised of Acuña, Mateo Vianna, Olmedo, Maldonado, and Ignacio Olivares.

Athletes from Tupungato will be recognized

Gentleness

“I was happy when I won the medal. I felt like all the effort had been worth it,” said Maldonado, who emphasized the sacrifice of training even on weekends on his own. “I didn't go with the mentality of winning, but rather of beating my record, and without realizing it, I achieved both,” he added.

A week later, on May 10 and 11, Rosario hosted the U20 National Cup, where Tupungato celebrated once again. Geremías Luna won the 10,000-meter walk, while Gimena Morosini won gold in the discus throw. Bruno Ampuero (discus) and Armando Chaca (javelin) also took silver medals.

Athletes from Tupungato will be recognized

Gentleness

“The experience was beautiful. Standing on the podium is a huge sense of accomplishment,” Morosini said. “Competition always has its emotional toll, but we trust in all the work behind it to give our best,” she added.

The sustained growth of athletics in the department is no coincidence. For the past year and a half, the Tupungato Sports Department has implemented a training program that works with children as young as 6 years old. "It's the base of the pyramid," said Sports Director Diego Guiñazú. "These athletes who stand on the podium today have years of training, discipline, and great commitment. Despite it being an individual sport, there's a community behind them that supports them."

In addition to technical and human support, the municipality provided financial support to ensure the presence of all athletes at the competitions. Transportation, part of the accommodation, and other logistical expenses were covered. "We may not be able to afford everything, but we're ensuring the essentials so they can be where they need to be," Guiñazú explained.

Athletes from Tupungato will be recognized

Gentleness

The competition calendar continues: a new national tournament will soon be held in Mar del Plata, and five athletes from Tupungato have already been selected to participate.

Next Monday, May 26, the Mendoza Chamber of Deputies will hold a tribute to the young athletes who represented Tupungato in the national cups. The bill was presented by Representative María Eugenia De Marchi, with the aim of highlighting the positive impact of sports on youth.

Athletes from Tupungato will be recognized

Gentleness

The municipality celebrated the gesture. “It's a tremendous joy. Our kids should feel that their efforts are valuable, that what they do has an impact. This recognition also goes to their families, coaches, and the entire community that supports them,” Guiñazú concluded.