The mayor of Concordia, Enrique Cresto, received 8-year-old Exequiel, who has a disability, and his therapeutic companion, Valeria Gasa, in his office this Friday. They traveled from the city of Salto (Buenos Aires Province) to participate in a “Bici-Inclusiva” at the International Reyes Marathon.
Valeria and Exequiel, who have already participated in other competitions, will take part in the XXXVIII International Reyes Marathon in the 5-kilometer distance, starting at Plaza España. The unique feature is that Valeria will run the marathon on an inclusive bike, which is a bicycle that has a wheelchair attached to the front, in which Exequiel will ride while enjoying the entire route. The mayor thanked them for choosing this competition, valued their sacrifice, and offered them his full support to achieve their goal.
During the pleasant visit to the municipal palace, Valeria commented that “we chose the Reyes Marathon because it is the only one in the country that accepts participants who run on a bicycle with an included wheelchair.” And she acknowledged that “I have heard very nice things about the competition, so we came to participate.”
In this regard, Cresto pointed out that “the race in our city has that particularity, that of the accompaniment and the emotion generated by the people in the streets, who cheer you on while you are doing the circuit.” And he told Valeria and Exequiel that "you will be surprised when you participate tomorrow, I am sure that all of Concordia will cheer for you."
They were received by the Mayor along with the Secretary of Government Martín Santana, the Secretary of Public Works and Services Carlos Pasquet, the Undersecretary of Public Works Jorge Mendieta, and the former mayor Juan Carlos Cresto.
“It is a more than important and significant event," assured Valeria Gasa and thanked all the people who have helped them "in the construction of the bicycle and also our sponsors who collaborated so that we could make this trip”.
"What we are going to do is a demonstration that people with disabilities can be integrated into society in a recreational-sports way”, the woman stated.
The 38th Reyes Marathon will take place this Saturday, January 7, starting at 8:00 PM, with the start at San Lorenzo and Sarmiento and the finish at the city's Corsódromo.