FIVE REASONS TO GO TO THE PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES

In the past three editions of the Parapan American Games, Brazil’s dominance on the podium has been remarkable. Since Rio 2007, the “green and yellow” delegation landed first on the medal table with great performances in disciplines such as, football 5-a-side, Para table tennis, Para swimming and Para athletics, always showing an extraordinary level.

Lima 2019 will welcome more than 30 world Olympic medalists, whose passion towards sports helped them to cope with society, no matter the obstacles. As of tomorrow, five of those stars will come to Peru to show that one can succeed with determination and courage. Find out more about them here:

1. Daniel Dias (Para swimming Class S5)

At the age of 16, he showed interest in the sport watching Clodoaldo Silva’s events on TV at Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Ever since, despite his congenital malformation on his upper arms and right leg, he trained hard to become the greatest Para swimmer ever. As a matter of fact, he received the well-known Laureus World Sports Award in 2009, 2013 and 2016, which are considered the “Oscars of sports”. He has claimed 14 gold medals at the Paralympic Games (from Perkin 2008 to Rio 2016), 27 Parapan American Games (from Rio 2007 to Toronto 2015), and 30 world championships, another reason to follow him in Aquatic Center of the VIDENA.

2. Joana Silva (Para swimming Class S5)

She was only 10 years old when she took up swimming due to medical advice. However, that was just the beginning of her brilliant career. Even though Joana was born with achondroplasia, a growing condition caused by genetic mutations, it did not stop her from becoming the number one. She took four gold medals in the 50 and 100 freestyle and butterfly in her first Parapan American Games. She went on to win medals at the 2012 London Paralympic Games and Rio 2016, as well as the Montreal 2013, Glasgow 2015 and Mexico 2017 IPC Swimming World Championships. At Toronto 2015, she bagged five gold medals.

3. Verónica Hipólito (Para athlete Class T37)

She used to compete as a regular athlete in the Olympic cycle at the age of 6, but a cerebrovascular accident partially affected the movement of her right limbs. Regardless, Verónica did not quit the sport and now represents Brazil in many world Para athletics events. In 2013, she made her debut at the Lyon World Championship (France), taking a gold medal in 200 meters and one silver in 100 meters. At the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, she reached the highest spot on the podium in 100, 200 and 400 meters, not to mention a silver medal in long jump. One year later, she snatched the silver in 100 and bronze in 400 meters at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. A self-made champion for life.

4. Lucas Prado (Para athlete Class T11)

The athlete lost his sight in 2002 due to retinal detachment in an accident. Overcoming that burden, he took up football 5-a-side and goalball, but it was not until 2006 that he embraced Para athletics, a discipline that got him impressive achievements. Consequently, he won gold in 100, 200 and 400 meters at the Rio 2007 Parapan American Games, repeating his success at Tokyo 2008 Paralympic Games, Guadalajara 2011 Parapan American Games and Christchurch World Championship also in 2011. He would then win two silvers at London 2012 the next year and, at Toronto 2015, he claimed the gold in 4x100 relay and the silver in 100 meters. His life has always been related to sporting success.

5. Football 5-a-side Team

The squad led by Ricardinho will show up as the best team in the history of football for athletes with vision impaired. The “Canarinhos” will try to claim their fourth title at the Parapan American Games, after winning all past editions since 2007. Currently, this generation owns four consecutive gold medals at the Paralympic Games since Athens 2004, as well as five titles at the world championships and two at the sub-championships, leaving behind great contenders such as Argentina, China and Spain. An incredible show is guaranteed at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center with these amazing football players who will teach us a great life lesson.

Get your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets or at any authorized point of sales. Ticket prices start at PEN 10.00. Also, there will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment.

ABOUT LIMA 2019

The Parapan American Games will gather 1890 Para athletes from 33 countries, participating in 17 sports and 18 disciplines. Competitions will take place from August 23 to September 1, 2019. Additionally, 13 Para sports will be qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

A total of 139 Para athletes will represent Peru, the largest number in this kind of continental events. Sixteen disciplines are included in the sports program. Sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball are the sports with the most competitors, with 24 each one (12 in the women’s team and 12 in the men’s team).