Sports stars
A selection of local athletes who will be competing in the Pan American Games demonstrated their sporting abilities before hundreds of excited kids at the American School last week.
The athletes, several of whom had studied at the elite school, took part in an exhibition of a range of sports, including badminton, fencing, karate and archery.
Among a series of activities to promote the games, the young pupils were shown a promotional video of sportsmen and women training beside local landmarks to a lively mariachi soundtrack. Cheering wildly, the children were further entertained by the official mascots Leo, Gavo and Huichi, who also took part in light-hearted sporting demonstrations.
The most impressive display was that of the archers. With pinpoint accuracy they hit successive bulls eyes, burst colored balloons pinned to the target boards and even split apples placed on a mannequin’s head.
“We hope Mexico can win the games,” affirmed archer Julio Fierras, who has previously “competed in World Cups and the Central American Games.”
A Guadalajara native, Fierras believes Mexico can clean up its image with a successful Pan American Games. If the visiting fans are half as enthusiastic as the American School pupils then they will leave with the most positive of impressions.
Money raised from a raffle held at the event is earmarked for the school’s Education Scholarship Foundation.
Fiestas de Octubre
The Fiestas de Octubre, Guadalajara’s annual month-long fair, kicks off on Friday, October 7 at the Benito Juarez Auditorium, its traditional site on the northern Periferico (intersection with Av. Alcalde).
Open daily, the fair serves up the usual mix of nightly entertainment (mainly popular Mexican bands), mechanical and children’s games, themed pavilions and food and vendors’ booths. There are cockfights in the Palenque (not for the squeamish), which always feature top Mexican singing acts around midnight.
The opening parade takes place in downtown Guadalajara on Sunday, October 9, 10 a.m. There will be dozens of floats, marching bands, clowns and acrobats. The city center also hosts free, nightly open-air shows in the Plaza Fundadores behind the Teatro Degollado (starting 7 p.m.) and the Salon de Octubre, a state-wide art competition at the Ex-Convento del Carmen.
This year’s festival shares the spotlight with the Pan American Games (October 14-30), which also has a lively cultural festival running concurrently with the sporting activities.
Soccer
Upcoming professional soccer games in Guadalajara:
Leones Negros vs. Neza (Estadio Jalisco) Friday, September 30, 8.45 p.m.
Guadalajara Chivas vs. Queretaro (Estadio Jalisco) Saturday, October 1, 7 p.m.
Estudiantes Tecos vs. Monterrery (Tres de Marzo) Friday, October 7, 8.10 pm.
Atlas vs. Tijuana (Estadio Jalisco) Saturday, October 8, 8.45 p.m.