Carrying a delegation of approximately 180 to 185 athletes and professors, the 9 de Julio contingent departed for the final stage of the Juegos Bonaerenses 2026 in Mar del Plata. Municipal authorities hosted a send-off ceremony at the Salón Blanco Municipal, where local leaders outlined the organization and travel logistics for the provincial showcase running through October 23.

Official Send-Off at the Salón Blanco Municipal

María José Gentile and Director of Sports Ariel Pesce presided over the Friday afternoon reception in the municipal palace, addressing the departing competitors ahead of their travel. The local representation numbers roughly 180 to 185 participants including athletes and professors. The departure schedule placed the main contingent on buses leaving the city’s Omnibus Terminal at 01:30 hours on Monday, October 19.

Municipal Investment and Logistical Framework

Addressing the economic climate surrounding the trip, Gentile emphasized the municipal administration’s political decision to maintain full financial backing for the delegation despite ongoing economic difficulties. Official municipal documentation indicates an investment of approximately 45 million pesos by the local government, supplementing provisions supplied by the Buenos Aires provincial administration. Both Gentile and Pesce sought to reassure families regarding transport and lodging arrangements, pointing to an established administrative framework designed to support local competitors safely throughout the tournament.

Wide-Ranging Sports and Cultural Representation

The 9 de Julio delegation features entries across a broad spectrum of athletic disciplines, including 3×3 basketball, boccia, aquathlon, Bonaerenses en carrera, cestoball, women’s 11-a-side football, men’s and women’s field hockey, judo, swimming, PCD swimming, padel, roller skating, skate, taekwondo, table tennis, and PCD table tennis. In the Senior Citizens (Adultos Mayores) division, local competitors qualified in +60 and +70 newcom, football tennis, and tennis. Regional qualification successes were also noted for newcom teams A and B, alongside women’s tennis players Cristina Moscato and Viviana Pérez. Beyond athletics, the district’s youth secured representation in the cultural division for the Drawing category.

Focus on Experience Over Medals

During the gathering, municipal leaders urged participants to prioritize camaraderie and personal growth over podium finishes. Gentile encouraged competitors to support one another, share the weekly experience with peers, and enjoy every phase of the provincial showcase. The tournament runs through October 23, marking another chapter in one of the Buenos Aires province’s important sporting and cultural gatherings.