Rioja Sports Festival 2024: A Night of Triumph for Local Athletes
The XXV edition of the Annual Rioja Sports Festival 2024 was a resounding success,celebrating the achievements of outstanding athletes from the region. The highlight of the evening was the Centro 5 Women’s Volleyball team, affectionately known as “Las Naranjitas,” who dominated the awards ceremony.
Las Naranjitas were crowned with the prestigious “Crystal Circle” award, recognizing their remarkable performance throughout the year. Adding to their triumph, team member Keila Llanos from Olte received the inaugural “Chacho Deportivo” award, presented by the Provincial Sports Secretariat.
This recognition capped off a historic year for Las Naranjitas. Having previously been shortlisted for the “Sports Together” award, the team achieved a remarkable milestone by securing their first-ever championship title in the Argentine Women’s League, the nation’s premier volleyball competition. This victory marked their fourth consecutive appearance in the league, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.
Keila Llanos, a key player in Las Naranjitas’ success, also shone brightly on the international stage. As a member of the senior national team, “Las Panteras,” she contributed to their victory at the Pan American Championship held in Mexico. Llanos’s exceptional skills were further showcased in her role as a standout performer for Gimnasia de La Plata, leading them to victory in the Metropolitan League.
the Rioja Sports Festival also acknowledged the achievements of other exceptional athletes. Gabriel Alfredo Chade, an assistant soccer referee, received the FAPED award from the Argentine Federation of Sports Journalists. This prestigious accolade recognized Chade’s important contributions to international arbitration, including his participation in the officiating team for the 2024 Copa Libertadores final.
Yanina Campos, a dedicated coach in the Cheerleading discipline, was honored with the “Example and Sports Attitude” award, highlighting her commitment to fostering sportsmanship and excellence.
The evening was a testament to the dedication and talent of Rioja’s athletes, coaches, and leaders. In addition to the aforementioned awards, recognitions were extended to individuals and institutions across various sporting disciplines. A poignant moment saw posthumous tributes paid to sports journalists José de Souza and Ramón Galleguillo, whose contributions to the field were remembered with memorial plaques presented to their families.
The complete list of shortlist winners included:
Chess: Pablo Díaz Cerezo
Athletics: Leonel Cuenca
Motoring: Walter De Otto
Rally: Juan De la Vega – Nicolás De la Vega
Archery: Lucas Mercado Luna
Karate: Vladimir Milazzo
Judo: Ana robledo
BMX: Emiliano De la Fuente
Men’s Basketball: Rodrigo campos
Women’s Basketball: (Facts not provided in the original text)
la Rioja’s Sporting Elite: A Celebration of Athletic Achievement
la Rioja boasts a remarkable roster of athletes who have distinguished themselves in a wide array of disciplines. From customary sports like boxing and soccer to emerging fields like 3×3 basketball and urban sports, La Rioja’s athletes are making their mark on the national and international stage.
This year’s standout performers include:
individual Triumphs:
Jessica Vega dominated the basketball court, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
Fabricio Díaz emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the fast-paced world of 3×3 basketball.
Leandro Bravo demonstrated precision and strategy in bocce, securing a well-deserved victory.
Ángel Samson Rosa delivered powerful punches in the boxing ring, proving his mettle as a formidable competitor.
Ignacio Ortega conquered challenging terrains in road cycling, showcasing his endurance and tactical prowess.
Santiago Agüero excelled in cestoball, a traditional Basque sport demanding agility and teamwork.
Agustín Durán navigated rugged trails with finesse in mountain biking, demonstrating exceptional control and stamina.
Aldana Guzmán showcased her versatility and athleticism in combined tests, proving her mettle across multiple disciplines.
Guadalupe Luna roared to victory in motocross, displaying courage and skill on the demanding track.
Mario galvan pushed the limits of speed in motorcycling, leaving his competitors in his dust.
Jazmín Ortenzi dominated the tennis court with her powerful serves and strategic play.
Lena Carrizo showcased lightning-fast reflexes and precision in table tennis, outmaneuvering her opponents.
Gonzalo Bazan led his team to victory in men’s soccer, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and tactical awareness. Renata Andrada shone brightly in women’s soccer, inspiring her teammates with her skill and determination.
carlos Castillo displayed precision and focus on the golf course, securing a well-deserved win.
Mateo Butto showcased his strength and agility in handball, contributing considerably to his team’s success. Valentín Castillo led the charge in men’s hockey,demonstrating exceptional stickhandling and strategic play.
Amparo González captained the women’s hockey team to victory, inspiring her teammates with her leadership and skill.
Carolina Sá conquered the open water, displaying remarkable endurance and determination.
José Funes Ontivero dominated the padel court, showcasing his strategic play and powerful shots.
Martina Griffasi soared to new heights in skate, pushing the boundaries of creativity and athleticism.
Facundo Vera demonstrated remarkable stamina and speed in pedestrianism, leaving his competitors behind.
Bautista Fernández Pugliese showcased his strength and agility in rugby, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
Verón Blue excelled in number, demonstrating exceptional mental acuity and strategic thinking.
Keila Llanos led her team to victory in volleyball, showcasing her powerful spikes and notable blocking skills.
Valentino Arias displayed exceptional horsemanship, guiding his steed to victory with grace and precision.
Candela García showcased her strength and flexibility in gym, impressing judges with her flawless routines.
Diego llanos conquered challenging terrains in enduro, demonstrating exceptional control and stamina.
Pablo Martín sculpted his physique to perfection in bodybuilding, showcasing his dedication and discipline.
Teamwork and Triumph:
The Center 5 La Rioja Women’s Volleyball team demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill, securing a well-deserved victory.
Adapted Sports: A Testament to Resilience:
Ezequiel Vera and Leandro juárez defied limitations in adapted sports, inspiring others with their determination and athletic prowess.
Celeste Waldovino showcased her strength and resilience in modern pentathlon, proving that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
Álvaro Bazan dominated the dodgeball court, demonstrating exceptional reflexes and strategic play.
Samuel Gómez excelled in adult sports, proving that age is no barrier to athletic achievement.
David Molina Salinas soared to new heights in BMX freestyle, pushing the boundaries of creativity and athleticism.
Jimena uliarte showcased her strength and endurance in crossfit, inspiring others with her dedication and determination.
Special Recognition:
Several athletes deserve special recognition for their outstanding achievements:
Leonel Pacheco and Diego Nieto delivered powerful punches in the boxing ring, showcasing their skill and determination.
Lisandro lezcano, Alfonsina Domínguez Socci, and the duo of Francisco Medina and Juan Pablo Allendes dominated the padel court, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and strategic play.
Antonella Renata Idoria showcased her strength and technical prowess in Olympic wrestling.
the La Rioja National Team secured a gold medal in the ATACALAR Games 2024, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and skill in futsal.
Thiago Arancibia conquered challenging terrains in mountain biking, securing a gold medal in the ATACALAR Games 2024.
Mateo Tobares showcased his agility and precision in badminton.
Matías Caballero demonstrated exceptional speed and control in tierrero karting.
Alfonsina Páez and Jeremías Ticac excelled in horseriding, showcasing their equestrian skills and bond with their steeds. The Club Unión Team Newcom and Club Café Newcom Team demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill in their respective sports.
Lourdes Ridao brought energy and enthusiasm to the cheerleading squad.
Alejandro Anrique soared to new heights in adapted paragliding flight.
Benjamín Suárez, Leonardo Castro, Mía Zelaya, Rolando casas, and Javier Juárez defied limitations in adapted athletics, inspiring others with their determination and resilience.
Maximiliano Peralta showcased his skill and precision in adapted table tennis.
José luis bordón pushed the limits of speed in adapted motorsports.
* Isaías Olivera and Milagros Díaz demonstrated exceptional strategy and precision in adapted boccia.These athletes represent the very best of La Rioja’s sporting spirit, inspiring future generations with their dedication, perseverance, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Recognizing Excellence: Honoring La Rioja’s Sporting Elite
La Rioja province boasts a vibrant sporting landscape, and recently, several individuals and institutions were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Celebrating Outstanding Sports Leaders
A group of dedicated sports leaders received special distinctions for their commitment to fostering athletic excellence in La Rioja.These individuals, hailing from diverse sporting disciplines, have made significant impacts on their respective communities:
Pedro Páez, representing Club Los Chuyos Chilecito
Luis Hidalgo, a prominent figure in Table Tennis Chilecito
Pablo Montaña, associated with Club Atlético riachuelo
rosendo Velarte, from Tiro Federal la Rioja
David Araya, a member of Club Sportivo Güemes
Gabriel Demarco, representing Amancay Club
Diego Rama, affiliated with Facundo Social and Sports Club
Ramón Spinosa Sánchez, a representative of the Rioja Association of football Veterans
Their dedication and passion serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes throughout the region.
Acknowledging the Pillars of Sport: Institutional Recognition
Beyond individual achievements,the contributions of sports institutions are crucial to the advancement and growth of athletics in La Rioja.several organizations were honored for their unwavering support and commitment to promoting sports within the province:
Club CRAR Rugby (La Rioja), a driving force in the rugby community
los Chelcos Rugby Club (Rugby), further enriching the rugby scene
Club Los Calamares (Chamical), fostering a love for sports in their community
Riojan Bicicross Association (La Rioja), promoting the exciting sport of BMX
Tiro Federal La Rioja, a longstanding pillar of the sporting landscape
riojan Association of TC 47 pilots (La Rioja), supporting motorsports enthusiasts
Management of Recreational and Sports Activities DARD (La Rioja), playing a vital role in organizing and facilitating sporting events
Physical education Center No. 5 (La Rioja), nurturing young athletes from an early age
Club Atlético Defensores de la Boca (La Rioja), a cornerstone of local sports
Club Atlético Chilecito (Chilecito), contributing to the sporting vibrancy of Chilecito
Polideportivo evita (La Rioja), providing a space for diverse sporting activities
Club Atlético Chacarita Juniors (Aimogasta), fostering a passion for sports in Aimogasta
Club Atlético san Martín (Villa Unión), a beloved institution in Villa Unión
Club Atlético River de chepes (Chepes), promoting sports in Chepes
These institutions, through their dedication and resources, create opportunities for individuals to engage in sports, develop their skills, and experiance the joy of competition. Their recognition highlights the importance of a strong sporting infrastructure in building a healthy and active community.
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