Millions Invested in Parapans Transport

More than $22M Mexican Pesos have been invested by the Jalisco Integrated Family Development System (DIF) toward adapted vehicles for use in 2011 Parapan American Games which get underway this weekend in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Around 1,500 athletes from 23 competing nations will use the vehicles over the coming weeks in the ‘Games of Inclusion.’

Imelda Guzman de Leon, Guadalajara 2011 Parapan American Games President and Director of Volunteering for DIF Jalisco, said: “Investments in this nature reflect the effort, determination, and passion of the athletes of each sport. This way we can nurture the hope of developing a culture of respect and inclusion so that in our countries, the dream of offering the integrated development of people with disabilities can come true,”

The leader presided over the flag raising ceremony of the Mexican delegation at the Parapan American Village, where athletes will reside 12-20 November.

Shortly after the flag raising ceremony, Guzman de Leon officially presented the 37 Fiat Ducato vans that have been adapted to offer space for six wheelchair users, six conventional seats and an electric hydraulic ramp for boarding. In addition, 80 adapted buses were made available by the metropolitan area public transportation network (Sistecozome) for the transportation of Parapan American athletes.

After the Games, these vehicles will be used for transporting people with an impairment from various parts of Jalisco State to the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre and the ‘Teleton’ Infant Rehabilitation Center (CRIT), both in Guadalajara.