The sport of surfing delivered positive results for the Salvadoran delegation at the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games.

A flawless debut. For the first time ever, surfing was included in the Central American and Caribbean Games, and it contributed two gold medals and one bronze to the Salvadoran delegation, surpassing the expectations that had been set prior to the competitions at Punta Roca, the epicenter of one of the world’s best right-hand waves for surfing.

Amado de Jesús Alvarado, Sindy Portillo, and Bryan Pérez all contributed to the Salvadoran cause, securing three medals and concluding their debut in the region’s oldest sporting event on a high note.

“We feel proud to have won medals for El Salvador, in our own homeland. It was the best thing that could have happened to us, and we are overjoyed,” said Sindy Portillo, proudly displaying her golden medal in the mixed zone.

Thus, the decision to include surfing in the San Salvador 2023 organization proved to be a resounding success, as the athletes delivered medal-worthy performances for our country in the water.

Fernando Menjívar, the coach of the surfing delegation, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “They gave their all in the water. Congratulations! Enjoy this moment because it is for the Salvadorans. We planned meticulously with the entire team to ensure the medals came through various strategies.”

Following the home games, Sindy Portillo, the surfer from La Unión, will now have to prepare for the World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia, in August, followed by the Pan American Games Santiago 2023 in Chile at the end of the year. Amado de Jesús has also secured his spot for the Pan American Games after earning a gold medal, making his participation certain.

The achievements of the Salvadoran surfers at the Central American and Caribbean Games have ignited a wave of excitement and support for the sport in the country. With their impressive performances, they have not only made history but have also inspired a new generation of surfers in El Salvador. The future looks promising for this coastal nation, as they continue to ride the waves of success on the international stage.