Olympic Vault Gymnast Yamilet Peña is Honored at Home

Olympic Vault Gymnast Yamilet Peña is Honored at Home
Santo Domingo, August 9, 2012

D ominican women’s vault gymnast, Yamilet Peña, who took sixth place at the London Olympics 2012, is proud of her achievement and says she will continue to strive for more.

As a role model for many other young women who gather at Parque del Este to practice their skills regardless of precarious economic conditions, Yamilet is committed to being an inspiration to those making an effort to hone their skills in this discipline.

“After my first vault, I was a little frustrated with my dismount, but one is allowed to fall as long as you get up right away. So, I stood up with pride and did my next vault,” Peña told reporters.

On Thursday, Yamilet was honored by executives of ARS Universal, the company that sponsors her, which gave her an economic incentive of 250,000 pesos and a scholarship to will allow her to continue her studies in accounting.

This financial contribution and scholarship was given under the auspices of marketing manager of health risk administrator, Kenyi Messina, who congratulated Ms. Peña for reaching such athletic heights. Messina told Peña that she can expect to continue to enjoy the backing of ARS Universal.

At a ceremony in the presence of ARS Universal executives, her manager, trainer, gymnastic training partners and her parents, Yamilet shared her experiences at the 2012 Olympic trials and how she ended up in the admirable position of sixth in the world in the women’s artistic gymnastic vault finals.

The young gymnast, who elevated the Dominican Republic in the eyes of the world, will continue her university studies but will not stop doing her gymnastics because she wants “to become a role model so that there are more Yamilets.”

Yamilet’s parents, Germán Peña and Ángela Abreu attended the recognition ceremony where they said they were proud of their daughter’s achievements.

They said that even though Yamilet did not come home with the gold, they were very pleased with having taken 6th place in a competition with so many talented gymnasts from around the world, and this despite the economic limitations of the family.

In addition to recognition from ARS Universal, Yamilet received a bouquet of flowers and a short gymnastic demonstration done by the girls from Myki Dsgym.

At the end of the ceremony, Yamilet stayed to sign autographs for various people who attended the event, including executives of ARS Universal.

Including special guests, others in attendance included Edwin Rodríguez, president of the Gymnastics Federation; Francisco Susana, trainer; Patricia Dumas, manager of athletes; Radhamés Tavárez, Vice President of the Dominican Olympic Committee.