LIMA 2019 AMBASSADORS CARRIED THE PAN AMERICAN TORCH

The Pan American Torch Relay was the most significant prelude to the fantastic Opening Ceremony of the most important multi-sport event of the Americas. In this emblematic relay, that precedes the lightning of the cauldron of the National Stadium, the Lima 2019 ambassadors carried the torch that lit the most varied places of Peru and abroad.

It is important to remember that Lima 2019 ambassadors are athletes that, beside standing out for their sporting qualities over an award-winning career, also embody the essence of the Olympic and Paralympic Games values: excellence, friendship, respect, courage, determination, equality and inspiration. 

The ambassadors carried the symbol of the Pan American Games, named New Fire. Alexandra Grande, our main karate representative, was the first to carry the Lima 2019 Pan American Torch when it was ignited in Teotihuacan, Mexico, before it arrived in Cusco to connect the two ancient cultures of the Americas. Pilar Jaúregui, current Para badminton champion, also attended the ceremony.

Once in Peru, the world cup football player and Peruvian legend Héctor Chumpitaz had the honor of taking the relay through the main streets and avenues of the Miraflores district, surrounded by the people enthusiasm and applause.

One of the most important Peruvian surf representatives and two-times world champion Benoit “Piccolo” Clemente was also part of the relay in the city of Trujillo. Nicholas Fuchs, one of the most important Peruvian car racers, and five-times consecutive national champion between 2007 and 2011, also carried the torch.

In this amazing itinerary across Peru also participated Para athletes Luis Miguel Sandoval, athlete of 1500 m and 5000 m races for people with visual impairments, and María de Jesús Trujillo, who had great performances in Para swimming international tournaments and won the silver in Sao Paulo 2017.

SPREADING VALUES

Lima 2019 ambassadors were not only in charge of carrying the torch, they also gave their best to spread the Games values. They also shared the importance of the great four legacies for Peru of the multi-sports event: a social-educational, sporting, economic and urban heritage.

ABOUT THE AMBASSADORS PROGRAM

The Organizing Committee of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games (COPAL) developed the Ambassadors Program to promote, through outstanding athletes and Para athletes, the sport, Olympic and Paralympic values, using different communication platforms.

They were classified as medalist, legend and value ambassadors. The actions executed included visiting schools in 14 districts were competition venues are located, participating in Lima 2019 activities, among others.