Jalisco Governor Emilio Gonzalez wiped away tears during the final ceremony of the Parapan American Games last Sunday at the Telmex Athletics Stadium.

His emotion was understandable: for six weeks this state, and Guadalajara in particular, had been the epicenter of the sporting world, first hosting competitors from 42 nations at the Pan American Games, and then welcoming inspirational athletes with disabilities from 24 countries.

Once the competition had wrapped up and the athletes had all flown home, it was time for some back slapping. This week, President Felipe Calderon bestowed special honors on Gonzalez and Carlos Andrade Garin, director of the Pan American Organizing Committee (Copag).

Although he has declined to run for president next year, Gonzalez gave a speech worthy of a candidate in full campaign swing. The games, he said, have “shown the true face of Mexico, the one we want the world to know.”

The governor said the honor given to him by the president was for all Jaliscienses for what they have achieved in putting on the two events.

“In Jalisco we work as a team, we look for good things to share with the rest of Mexico and the world. We know how to construct peace and justice, and a humanistic culture based on truth, solidarity and unity.”

Amen to that!