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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | October 2005 
Mendoza: Para-Athletes Lack Support in Mexico
 Adriana Díaz Reyes - El Universal
| | Many disabled athletes are going to the United States to receive training. |
When Celedonio Rodríguez, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Mexican descent, took first place in the wheelchair division of the Boston half-marathon this past October 9, it left a bittersweet taste in the mouth of Saúl Mendoza.
For Mendoza, a Mexican citizen currently residing in Texas and himself a multi-medal-winning para-athlete, Rodríguez's victory represented the skill and determination of Mexico's disabled athletes. But at the same time, Rodríguez's decision to become a U.S. citizen reiterated to Mendoza the reality that disabled athletes do not always receive the training, facilities and support they need at home.
"We Mexicans are talented in all of the specialties in which we apply ourselves," said Mendoza, a two-time winner of the Premio Nacional del Deporte, or National Sporting Prize. "Still, in many cases, dreams are truncated because we don't get the support and following that we need."
Mendoza said he respected Rodríguez's decision to change nationality because for para-athletes, the United States offers better sponsorship and access to the latest technology, such as racing-quality wheelchairs.
Yet despite the fact that he and his wife are now living in the United States, where he has the opportunity to participate in as many as 20 races per year, Mendoza said that he himself had no plans to naturalize there.
"I have many things that I like about the United States, but I have green, white and red (Mexico's national colors) very deep in my heart," he said. "I am going to continue to represent Mexico and bring positive recognition to the country."
Mendoza's next chance to bring fame to his home country will come on November 6, when he will race in the New York Marathon.
The marathon will mark his first competition after a year off from racing. |
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