Mexican Pan Am champions of 1955 receive special tribute

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 15, 2011 - A championship title lasts forever and the celebration in Guadalajara of the Pan American Games was a very special occasion for the Mexican Women’s’ Volleyball team that claimed the gold medal in 1955 playing the final against the United States of America.

Seven of the eleven members of the Mexico 1955 Pan Am champion team were honored by the North, Central American and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation as well as the Mexican Volleyball Federation and the Local Organizing Committee of the Pan American Games.

Volleyball fans were the witness of a great moment that brought back some memories at the Manuel Avila Camacho Sports Complex in a trip to past times.

Carmen Medina, Maria Luisa Bárbara, Celia Juárez, Alicia Rivas, Ana María Aceves, Araceli Souza and Marina Cruz received each one a commemorative and personalized trophy with the name of each player by the Norceca Confederation and Mexican Volleyball Federation authorities.

“Today is a very exceptional day.  Almost 56 years ago history was made and we are here to honor the presence of this group of seven players, true Mexican warriors that are here with us, congratulations and thanks to the audience for your patience and support,” Ismael Acosta, President of the Mexican Volleyball Federation, said.

Along with Acosta in this recognition ceremony, Norceca President, Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, and Norceca First Executive Vice-President, Saul Castro Verdugo were present, as well as Carmen Ruvalcaba who promoted this ceremony in loving memory of those players that have passed away and a tribute to those who are still alive.

This celebration was watched by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) President, Mario Vazquez Raña, who was in the stands to follow the match between Mexico and Peru, played after the tribute to the continental champions.