The Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez Gómez, described as an act of courage and reconciliation the participation of the athletes of the Military and Police Forces in the Gran Fondo Matamoros 2023 cycling race, who throughout their service have risked their lives for the safety of Colombians.
"When one sees that these men who have given their good physical body condition, do not have a space for resentment, one does not find in their heart even a hint of hatred, of rancor, I think looking at them, listening to them, reconciliation is possible and that is why we have to work," Minister explained.
There were more than 1,200 athletes, including civilians and Military who participated in this race that was held in the municipality of Mosquera. It began at 5 in the morning at the Lucio Amórtegui Coliseum, with categories of 105 kilometers Long Distance, 50 kilometers Medium Distance and 28 kilometers Piccolo.
Sergeant (R) of the National Army Francisco Pedraza, won the second position in the Piccolo segment, and he assured that the main thing of the event was to live the motto of the race which said Every Pedal Stroke Counts and that all the athletes gave everything for that purpose. "Everyone pedaled today, on behalf of our Military Forces and the National Police, saying thank you for everything you have done and are doing. It is an example of the Colombian people of gratitude and support for the forces," he explained.
On the other hand, the Spanish cyclist, Óscar Sevilla, who in the same way accompanied the activity by riding next to the other athletes, was one of the great promoters of the race and took the opportunity to highlight the operation of the military and police officers with disabilities who are an example of overcoming: "they overcame difficult things in life, and now we see that they are doing sports. Today, being able to ride with them is happiness, they are people who motivate you," the cyclist said.
Finally, the Minister recognized the Matamoros Corporation, belonging to the Social and business Group GSED of the Ministry of Defense, highlighting that its 36 years of existence have been very fruitful, not only for what it has done for the members of the Military Forces in a state of disability, but in the same way for the families of those who died defending the Homeland.
"The decision to work for Total Peace in a country where we have suffered violence for so many decades, deserves all our efforts," said Minister Velásquez.
The director of the Matamoros Cooperation, María Alejandra Neira, has a similar vision, who assured that the resources raised in the race are intended to support the athletes of the league with disabilities of the Military Forces who are preparing for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and in the same way to finance scholarships in education for members of the Military Forces.
Source: Defense Sector Communications Office - Ministry of National Defense
