San Salvador - The 9th Athletics Championship North America, Central America and the Caribbean (Nacac) Under 23 began in El Salvador with a recognition to the double medalist at the 1976 Olympics, the Cuban Alberto Juantorena.

'It is an honor for me to be here this afternoon. Receiving this plaque is to receive it on behalf of my country, of all people in Cuba who helped to my double Olympic triumph to whom I dedicate it with love and respect, especially to Fidel Castro', said Juantorena while inaugurating this celebration of Athletics.

He thanked the Salvadoran people for the welcoming and the love and warmth given to him during his stay in this country.

'I did not expect this tribute, this tribute is not for Alberto Juantorena, is for Cuba, for athletics in North, Central America and the Caribbean, to El Salvador and for all of you', reiterated the Olympic champion in the 400 and 800 meter dash at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, an achievement that no athlete has overcome.

He wished the best to the athletes participating in this tournament which started yesterday afternoon and will take place until Sunday.

The president of the National Institute of Sports of El Salvador, Jorge Quezada, thanked Juan Carlos Ramirez, his peer of the Athletics Federation for the initiative and the courage to take the organization.

'El Salvador will be a great host. We give you a warm welcome and hope you get success. Athletics is the king sport of the Olympic movement. This sport will offer us many emotions' he said.

Yesterday, the capital's stadium Mágico González, received about 350 athletes from 29 countries out of the 31 that make up the Nacac, and 27 of them are already classified for Rio 2016.