On Tuesday, Peruvian Gladys Tejeda, gold-winning athlete at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, was decorated by the Junin Provincial Municipality.
Since the wee hours of the day, a crowd gathered at the site to wait for one of Peru’s current top sports people.
By noon, the athlete -joined by her mother, brother and the local authorities- arrived at the city's Simon Bolivar Square. The high-profile personalities were taken onboard a van, which was followed and surrounded by the inhabitants, who were cheering up and glad to see her back in the city.
Upon arrival, the runner was given flowers, balloons and other gifts, which were aimed at thanking her for placing Peru on the highest sports rankings and positions at world level.
Once at the square, the decoration ceremony took place. The athlete was granted a medal, a S/.3,750 (about US$1,179) check and a typical region costume.
Likewise, Mayor Percy Chagua highlighted the runner’s human qualities and skills.
“Our people, who know to pay homage to these relevant merits, congratulate Gladys. That is why, I have to tell you this morning the Council session approved the Simon Bolivar Street, which is the way towards the Central Highway, to be renamed Gladys Tejeda Pucuhuaranga Avenue […],” he said.
The runner thanked the recognition and seemed glad during the ceremony.
(END) WMCH/LIT/MVB