Chairman Mike Kelly honors Argentinian cyclists who biked nearly 11,000 miles to Kansas City for FIFA World Cup 2026

Today, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly presented a special recognition to three friends from Argentina who completed an almost 11,000-mile bicycle journey through 17 countries to reach Kansas City in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The presentation took place at the Johnson County Parks and Recreation District Unity Cup at Heritage Park in Olathe.

Miguel Silio, Yamundu Martínez, and Vicente Conculini departed Argentina nearly a year ago, pedaling through 17 countries over nine and a half months and carrying all their gear from winter to summer supplies to support the Argentine national team.

"Here in Kansas, the heart of America, folks are proud to show - in little and big ways - the kindness of our people and serve as a model for what it means to bring folks together," said Chairman Mike Kelly. "The heart of this tournament isn't just where the best teams are staying, or where some of the biggest matches will be played. The heart of this tournament will be the region with the biggest heart, and that is right here - in Johnson County, Kansas."

The Kansas City Unity Cup, an adult soccer tournament presented by Capitol Federal and hosted by the Johnson County Parks and Recreation District, brings together players and families from across the county and around the world, embodying the same spirit of international unity that defines the World Cup moment Kansas City is experiencing this summer. Chairman Kelly connected with the cyclists through Instagram before reaching out to arrange the recognition and secure World Cup tickets for the group.

"Despite all the challenges along the way - fighting strong headwinds, crossing the Andes Mountains and reaching elevations of nearly 4,800 meters (15,700 feet), and dealing with mechanical problems on our bicycles - we never lost sight of our goal," said Vicente Conculini. "We set out to travel across the Americas, ride through 17 countries, and pedal more than 17,000 kilometers (10,500 miles) to support and cheer for our beloved Argentine national team. The warmth and hospitality we have found in Kansas City has blown us away, and when Chairman Kelly reached out to us on Instagram, we could not believe it. To be welcomed like this and to receive tickets to experience the World Cup firsthand - we are so grateful. This is a moment we will never forget."

Johnson County, Kansas is the most populous county in the state, home to more than 650,000 residents and a proud host region for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. As Kansas City welcomes the world this summer, Johnson County and Johnson County Parks and Recreation District are creating opportunities for residents and visitors to connect through sports, culture and community events, including the Unity Cup and its free Johnson County Watch Party series at Theatre in the Park. With 35 community activations planned throughout Johnson County during the World Cup, JohnsonCountyUnited.com is the hub for everything happening in the county this summer.