WBC presents  “Heroes of Mexico” awards in Sinaloa

In the Governors Hall of the Government Palace of Sinaloa, the “Heroes of Mexico” awards ceremony took place, which is an initiative of the Scholas Foundation,  Heraldo de Mexico newspaper and the World Boxing Council, in order to recognize with a replica from the WBC Mazahua belt, the hitherto unsung  heroes who fight the Covid-19 pandemic every day, risking their lives and those of their families to save their people.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán Saldívar commented: “This year has been difficult. The belts that the WBC makes for the most important fights of the year are based on Mexican cultures. Unfortunately this year a fight could not be held to award the Mazahua belt. That is why, under the initiative of the Scholas Ocurrentes, the non-religious foundation of Pope Francis, Heraldo de México Newspaper and the World Boxing Council, it was decided to use this belt to recognize the “Heroes of Mexico.”

“Those who every day seek to serve others during difficult moments, often courageously discarding their own well-being. Boxing is a national heritage, we have in the history of Mexico. More than 200 world champions, including many from Sinaloa such as Pedro Guevara, Jorge Arce, Humberto Soto and Julio César Chávez, to name but a few. Just as boxers get off the canvas to continue striving, so we are going to get up from the hard blow that the pandemic has wrought,  and we are going to win by knockout. I want to take this opportunity to give out total  heartfelt recognition from the WBC to the governor of Sinaloa, Quirino Ordaz Coppel, for the magnificent  job he does and for all the great efforts he makes to help others in difficult situations.”

After these emotional words of the WBC President, the first prize “Heroes for Mexico” was awarded to  parish priest Miguel Ángel Soto Gaxiola, who has done endless work giving food to those in need and supporting people in difficult situations in the midst of the pandemic.

“I want to thank the WBC and Mauricio Sulaimán for the initiative to reward those who do things well. In general, there is always a lot of negativity and those who do wrong things are criticized and attacked, which is why the recognition of those who give us this award is so cherished and important. I want to thank the media, businessmen, politicians and other people who have supported us to continue our work. It is clear that without joining forces and combining, we could not help to such an extent as we have, ”said Father Soto Gaxiola.

The Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa (Autonomous University of Sinaloa) was also recognized for its tremendous  work since the beginning of the pandemic, making important changes to make donations of protective and hygiene clothing, such as masks, antibacterial gel, among other vital items. In addition to many more actions that have been carried out for the benefit of the student population.
The person in charge of receiving the Mazahua belt was the Rector of the University, Juan Elogio Guerra Liera, who commented:

“I receive this recognition on behalf of all the collaborators of the university. I thank Mauricio Sulaimán, who carries the essence of his father Don José, who always helped young people. The work we have done at the university has been an effort achieved by all of us who are part of it and we will always continue working to improve and be able to help those who need it.”

Then, the President of the DIF of Sinaloa (System for the Integral Development of the Family), Rosy Fuentes de Ordaz, recognized the efforts of all those involved and invited them to continue working together for the welfare of society.

Finally, the Governor of Sinaloa, Quirino Ordaz Coppel, commented:“I am very happy to be at this event. Personally I know Mauricio and Hector Sulaimán, who inherited from Don José Sulaimán the gallantry and drive to help others, which is something that has distinguished them. I had the pleasure of meeting them for some time and knowing the enormous human quality that they have. When my friend the rector Juan Elogio told me about this award ceremony, I wanted to do it in person. Like the rector, Father Miguel has done a great job worthy of admiration and recognition. It is so essentially important to continue combining  efforts between the government, churches, sports leaders, businessmen, athletes and the whole of society in general,  to be able to support and continue advancing as a society.”