LIMA 2019 MEDALISTS ATTEND PARAPAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL “LEARN THROUGH PLAY”

The sport celebration continues in Peru. A few days before the start of the Parapan American Games, the festival “Learn through play” took place at the Plaza Marco Cápac, in the district of La Victoria. It was the perfect time to promote different sports, such as football 5-a-side, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and athletics for athletes with visual impairment.

Several Lima 2019 medalists attended this event to experience what it feels like to be a Para athlete for a moment. Among them were the frontón player Claudia Suárez; karatekas Ingrid Aranda, Saida Salcedo, Carlos Lam and John Trebejo; and the youngest athlete at Lima 2019, Alexia Sotomayor.

The karate bronze medalist Ingrid Aranda participated in the kata exhibition blindfolded and also in a football 5-a-side match, where Milco played as goalkeeper. “I didn’t know where to stand at first, but the ball had a rattle that helped me locate it and listen if the ball had hit Milco or if I had scored a goal. It’s both incredible and complicated. I’m sure my teammates will showcase all their talent to all Peruvians,” she added.

“It was amazing to try out these Para sports. We’ve experienced them at first hand, and it was incredible,” said Carlos Lam, gold medalist in men’s team kata, who played sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and Para athletics. 

“I thought it would be easy, but once I sat on the wheelchair and started running blindfolded, I found out it was way more complicated. That’s why I’d like to invite everyone to root for our Para athletes; they’re about to teach us all a lesson of inclusion,” said John Trebejo, who paired up with Carlos to win the gold in men’s team kata.

Saida Salcedo, bronze medalist in women’s team kata, practiced all Para sports and was very excited for the beginning of the Parapan American Games. “Trying most of the Para sports was the best thing ever. Losing one sense is hard, so I admire the drive of all Para athletes. I’m sure the people will enjoy every moment of it. Watching them live is even more beautiful,” she stressed.

Claudia Suárez, gold medalist in Peruvian frontón and the most experienced player in the Lima 2019 women’s delegation, joined the youngest Peruvian athlete Alexia Sotomayor in sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

“It’s really hard. We play with all our senses. We know how to move on the field of play. But this is different. For example, in football 5-a-side, you must develop many senses. I really admire them,” mentioned Claudia.

As for Alexia, she talked about wheelchair basketball. “It was complicated to handle the wheelchair and the ball at the same time because you had to move and dunk a basketball all at once. That’s complicated,” she said.

The spectators had a great time with Milco and had the chance to buy tickets for the Opening Ceremony and the different competitions.

“It’s not over yet. We have to keep supporting our teammates that will participate in the Parapan American Games. Now, it’s their turn to show everyone what they are capable of,” concluded Ingrid Aranda, bronze medalist in kata at the Pan American Games.