Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico – The 2026 CONADE National Paralympic Games are officially under way, making history as Jalisco hosts the entire competition as the sole venue for the first time ever. Running through October 10, the national adapted sports event has drawn more than 4,500 para-athletes representing all 32 federal entities, alongside teams from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
The opening competitions were held September 20 at the CODE López Mateos Sports Center in Guadalajara, with athletes competing in Para Triathlon, Para Duathlon and Para Aquathlon.
Jalisco made an immediate impact, winning the overall Para Triathlon title with 14 gold medals and one silver for a total of 15 medals. The performance also set a new record for the discipline.
The first gold medal of the Games for Jalisco went to Óscar Vélez and his guide, Adrián Rojas, in the PTVI1 Duathlon category.
Vélez said he was proud to help open Jalisco’s medal count and encouraged young people with disabilities who are interested in adapted sports to pursue their goals.
“They shouldn’t give up and should follow their dreams; they would already be succeeding here,” he said.
That opening performance reflects a larger ambition for Jalisco’s 317-athlete delegation. Rallying behind the local slogan “The 21st is won at home,” the team aims to secure its 21st consecutive overall National Paralympic Games championship. Local sports authorities project a total capture of 224 gold medals across all events to seal the title.
This year’s effort builds directly on Jalisco’s record-setting performance at the 2025 Paralympic Games. During last year’s games, the state established an all-time record by capturing 494 total medals, including 283 golds.
Swimming accounted for 133 of those gold medals, while athletics produced 97. Jalisco also collected 27 gold medals in powerlifting, along with a strong showing in table tennis.
The results have established Jalisco as a leading force in adapted sports, and the 2026 Games give the delegation the opportunity to compete for another title on home ground.
To handle the scale of this year’s games, events are spread across several specialized facilities throughout the greater Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, including the CODE Revolución, CODE Alcalde, CODE López Mateos, and CODE Paradero sports complexes, as well as the Metropolitan Aquatic Center.
Organizers say the goal is to provide athletes and their delegations with suitable sports facilities, technical infrastructure and operational support throughout the competition.
The Games also bring coaches, judges, sports associations, families and fans to Jalisco, making the event about more than medals and records. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the state as a destination capable of hosting a major national sporting competition.
With competition continuing through October 10, Jalisco’s athletes now look to build on their strong opening as they pursue another National Paralympic Games title at home.
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