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FIVE PARA ATHLETES PARTICIPATE IN TORCH RELAY
The Para athletes, and next stars of Lima 2019, shared their feelings and wishes after carrying the Parapan American Torch.
Five Para sports figures who will compete in the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games participated in the first stretch of the torch route, which passed through the districts of Santiago de Surco, Surquillo and San Borja today.
Para badminton players, Jesús Salvá and Pablo Cueto; Para taekwondo fighter, Carlos Navarro; and goalball representatives, Diana Flores and Jorge Pérez, walked—and in some cases ran—while leaving on the streets the sweat and excitement that, in just a few days, they will leave on the court.
“I was very exciting to have been a Parapan American torchbearer. It’s nice to see everyone cheering you on and telling you that they’ll continue to support you in your sport so that you win a gold medal,” stated Salvá.
At the same time, fellow badminton player Pablo Cueto was surprised by the number of people that came out to see the torch and torchbearers.
“I wasn’t expecting so much enthusiasm from the crowd on the streets and I hope they go cheer all of us on. I’m very happy to have been a torchbearer; I’m very moved.”
Similarly, Navarro highlighted the fact that so many people came out to support them and cheer them on, even though Para sports and their athletes are not very popular.
“I wasn’t expecting so much support from the public because adapted sports are not very well known. I think that the Parapan American Games are a door that opens for people with an impairment that they may not be aware of and they may not know they have another opportunity to succeed. I think that’s what is most important, besides the medals.”
Meanwhile, the Peruvian goalball representatives reflected on the effect of the torch relay and assured that it will not be temporary, it will leave a permanent mark on society in terms of respect towards people with impairments.
“I think that people are becoming more aware. I see it in the district where I live and in other places. We’re an inspiration to many who know this is not easy. Now, we hope for everyone’s support in these Games,” stated Flores.
“It was an honor to carry the torch. I represent the vast majority of people with visual impairment and that helps people with impairments know that they can play some kind of sport,” said Pérez.