Amazing Alana brings home a medal!

Last month we informed you that fourteen-year-old Alana Armenta Valdez had qualified for, and was invited to participate on behalf of Mexico, in a worldwide track and field competition, the ISF U15 World School Sports Games, which were held 11-19 September 11th through the 19th in Belgrade, Serbia. The great news is that Alana won the silver medal, 2nd place, in the discus throw!

Alana’s mom, Blanca Valdez Diaz, absolutely wanted to support her daughter’s desire to compete in the international competition, and she was absolutely not wanting her young daughter to travel halfway around the world without her. Blanca needed to raise over $15,000 USD to finance entry fees, official uniforms, shoes, travel, insurance, lodging, food, even a Mexican flag, in less than 2 months. After her regular part-time job, Blanca shifted into high gear at her paramedical office* doing therapeutic massage, physical therapy, facials, and other aesthetic treatments until 10 PM every day in order to earn money for the trip. She also turned to the community.

Blanca and Alana thank the many people who contributed money to help get them to Serbia. Donations came from many people; readers of the Rocky Point Times, recipients of professional newsletters, and members of the Rocky Point real estate community, are among the many generous people who contributed to the effort. Not only is Alana the best in Mexico in her age group, but she is now considered #2 in the entire world! Getting to the competition would have been impossible without all the generous assistance, which is very much appreciated.

*Note: As of this writing, Blanca and Alana are still in Serbia with 2 events left to go, so our hometown girl may well make us even prouder by winning another medal. Blanca is already thinking of the next out-of-town competition and is hoping to be better prepared. If you want to help the effort by supporting Blanca’s business, please call her Mexican phone number 011-638-113-7813 to book an excellent therapeutic massage, a facial or other esthetic service, and definitely call her if you are in need of physical therapy!