Five Uruguayan medals were won in the Canadian city, including gold in the men's football on the final day of competion.

The team edged Mexico 1-0 in the final to take a first gold in the event since Caracus 1983 and a first victory in any sport since cyclist Milton Wynants won road and points race titles at Santa Domingo 2003.

Dolores Moreira won a silver medal in laser radial sailing while bronzes were won by the women's handball team, by 400 metres hurdler Déborah Rodríguez and by long jumper Emiliano Lasa.

All the medallists were honoured in a ceremony in the capital attended by Montevideo Mayor Danel Martinez and the director of the Department of Culture, Mariana Percovich, as well as other Government and sporting officials.

Uruguyan Olympic Committee President  Julio Maglione was not present as he was attending the 128th International Olympic Committee Session in Kuala Lumpur and then the World Aquatics Championships in Kazan in one of his other capacities as International Swimming Federation boss.

"I want to acknowledge not only you who filled us with joy but to all those who gave their lives in training and competition," said the Mayor during the celebration ceremony.

He then singled out the female medallists for overcoming the handicaps which still exist against women competing at a high level in the country.

Uruguay will now be focusing on a first Olympic medal since Wynants took points race silver at Sydney 2000 at next year's Games in nearby Rio de Janeiro.

The country has won 10 medals in total, including two gold, both in football, at Paris 1924 and Amsterdam 1928.