### Honoring the Best in State Sports
On Saturday, September 21, the prestigious Excellence in Sports Ceremony took place at the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium of the High-Performance Center. Organized by the Baja California Sports Institute, the event celebrated the achievements of athletes and coaches who excelled in the CONADE 2024 National Games.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to standout athletes from Baja California. Among those honored was swimmer Alexandra Sartie Barrutia, who received special recognition for her seven gold medals. Gymnast Leonid Oceguera Reyes, who garnered eight medals (four gold, four silver), and fencer Alejandra Beltrán Reyes, who achieved four gold medals across individual and team events, were also celebrated. Additional accolades went out to baseball champion Nomar Valenzuela Fuentes and open water swimmer Sharon Guerrero Chon.
The success of local sports this year was underscored by the swimming team, which collected a record 34 gold, 22 silver, and 17 bronze medals, tallying 73 in total. Fencing maintained its dominance with 50 medals, including 18 gold, 17 silver, and 15 bronze.
Laura Vanessa Barrutia Castro, the mother of Alexandra Sartie, offered welcoming remarks, followed by a video presentation showcasing the athletes’ accomplishments. Alejandra Beltrán Reyes delivered a speech on behalf of her fellow athletes.
The event also acknowledged the efforts of athletes who participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics, including open water swimmer Martha Sandoval Ayala and artistic gymnast Natalia Escalera Cárdenas, as well as their coaches Paulo Salas and Pavel Oceguera.
### Additional Sports News
**Jaime Munguia Defeats Erik Bazinyan**
On the same day as the Excellence in Sports Ceremony, boxer Jaime Munguia secured a knockout victory against Erik Bazinyan. The fight, held at the Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana, was a highly anticipated event and showcased Munguia’s formidable skill in the ring.
**Parque Cerro de Las Abejas Inauguration**
The brand-new Parque Cerro de Las Abejas was officially inaugurated on September 20. This new park is expected to be a significant addition to the local community, providing a space for recreational activities and fostering a closer connection to nature.
**IMDET’s Delegational Athletic Series Concludes**
The final installment of the IMDET Delegational Athletic Series wrapped up successfully, bringing together athletes from various delegations in competitive spirit. The series is part of a broader initiative to promote physical fitness and sports participation across different age groups.
### Tijuana Community Efforts
In other local news, Tijuana’s efforts to maintain its coastal beauty saw volunteers gather for a beach cleanup drive, raising awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for updates on these stories and more, celebrating local achievements and community efforts.