The vibrant atmosphere of Mar del plata played host to the National Evita Sports Games 2025, a massive youth sporting event that saw thousands of young athletes compete. Among the standout delegations was Corrientes, which concluded its participation with an notable eighth-place finish in the overall medal standings. The province’s contingent of 330 athletes, a mix of conventional and adapted sports participants, brought home a remarkable haul of 55 medals: 20 gold, 17 silver, and 18 bronze.

This performance places Corrientes among the nation’s elite youth sports programs, trailing only powerhouses Santa Fe, the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, and Córdoba, who secured the top three spots on the podium. the success underscores a strategic investment in sports progress within the province, a testament to the sports policy championed by Governor Gustavo Valdés.

Adapted Athletes Lead the Charge

From the outset, Corrientes’ athletes in adapted sports demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, capturing a significant number of medals. Their success, which saw them claim 18 gold medals, propelled them to fourth place in the adapted sports classification, just behind Córdoba, Misiones, and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Jorge Terrile, the Sports Secretary, lauded the athletes’ competitive spirit and the dedication of their coaches, highlighting the profound impact of their hard work.

This achievement in adapted sports mirrors the growing trend seen in international competitions, where inclusivity and athletic excellence are increasingly recognized. Think of the paralympics,where athletes consistently push the boundaries of human performance,inspiring millions. Corrientes’ adapted athletes are carving out their own legacy, proving that talent and dedication know no bounds.

Conventional Sports Bring Home Hardware

The momentum continued into the conventional sports disciplines, with medals beginning to pour in on Friday. Olympic weightlifting proved to be a strong suit for Corrientes, with Nathaniel Villalba Pannunzio and aníbal Fernández clinching gold medals. Their powerful lifts and disciplined technique were a highlight for the province’s supporters.

The silver medal count also saw significant contributions. The Bádminton team earned a silver in mixed doubles, while the men’s hockey team showcased their grit. The women’s table tennis duo, Antonella Molina and Marlene Acuña, also secured a silver, as did Donini Máximo in Olympic weightlifting. In athletics, the 5x80m relay team (Martínez Alexander, Aquino Nahuel, Zaracho Juan, Medina Nelson, and Ríos Nicolás) and Aquino Nahuel in the 200m race earned well-deserved silver medals.

The bronze medal collection rounded out Corrientes’ impressive medal tally. Lautaro González and Delfina Cardozo earned bronze in Olympic weightlifting, Toscani Estefano took bronze in javelin throw, and Agostina Rodríguez secured bronze in Taekwondo. The Bádminton singles, Rugby Sevens, and the women’s Beach Volleyball and men’s Volleyball teams also contributed bronze medals, showcasing the breadth of talent across various sports.

A Collaborative Effort and a Memorable Experience

The success of the correntina delegation was the result of a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Sports and the General Directorate of Physical Education. The robust budgetary investment, a cornerstone of Governor Gustavo Valdés’s sports policy, provided the necessary resources for the athletes and their technical staff. This support enabled a contingent of 375 individuals, including athletes and coaches, to experience an intense and rewarding week of competition and camaraderie in Mar del Plata, affectionately known as “La Feliz” (The Happy One).

The journey from their arrival on Monday to the closing ceremonies on saturday was more than just a competition; it was an immersive experience in the spirit of sportsmanship and national pride. For many of these young athletes, this was a stepping stone, with some events serving as qualifiers for the prestigious 2025 South American School Games. This provides a clear pathway for continued development and international exposure, a crucial element for nurturing future champions.

While Corrientes celebrated its achievements