Supported by Procter and Gamble, the consumer good firms which is a member of The Olympic Partner (TOP) sponsorship programme, the "Gracias, Mama" campaign pays tribute to the role mothers play in preparing their children for competition.

COA President Gerardo Werthein, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee, attended a special ceremony alongside the organisation's first vice president, Alicia Masoni de Morea, and secretary general Mario Moccia.

Four athletes were also present, including London 2012 taekwondo gold medallist Sebastián Crismanich.

Crismanich, who also won Pan American Games gold in Guadalajara in 2011 in his 80kg category, was joined by judoka Paula Pareto, who won World Championship gold in the under 48kg division in Astana last year to add to an Olympic bronze won in London.

Beach volleyball duo Ana Gallay and Georgina Klug, the Pan American Games champions in Toronto last year, were also in attendance.

All of the athletes were accompanied by their mothers and recalled numerous anecdotes from their early days in sport.

They also recalled the "long path" they travelled in order to get to where they are today. 

Argentina won only four medals at London 2012 in all, with Crismanich claiming their sole gold.

They will be hoping for a better haul in Rio, which will be the first Olympics in their home continent of South America.