Mexican President Felipe Calderon congratulated Thursday Mexican powerlifter Amalia Perez for winning a gold medal during the Beijing Paralympic Games.

The Presidency of the Republic said in a communique that Calderon phoned Perez to recognize her triumph and new Paralympic record of 128kg, which broke the previous mark by 0.5 kgs.

"Your triumph has filled all Mexicans with pride," Calderon told Perez.

To the rest of the Mexican Paralympic competitors, Calderon said that he recognizes their efforts and told them "they are an example for the (Mexican) youth."

Calderon thanked all the Mexican Paralympic sportsmen "for placing high the name of the country at the Paralympic Games of Beijing 2008."

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2008)