LIMA: LAST JOURNEY OF PAN AMERICAN FLAME AROUND PERU

The flame was lit in Teotihuacán, Mexico, but only a day later, it began its path in Peru. The flame arrived in Cuzco on July 3. After touring along the coast, highlands and jungle, it finally lighted up the capital of Peru. The districts of Miraflores and Surquillo were in the spotlight on July 26.

Sailor Stefano Peschiera started the relay at 13:00 carrying the torch along the beach circuit. It ignited the festive mood that continued through this historical evening. 

Sports and entertainment celebrities, as well as politicians, carried the 54 torches that lighted up Lima before the unforgettable opening ceremony. 

The first legends of Peruvian football to continue the relay were Héctor Chumpitaz, known as the “Captain of the Americas,” and Percy Rojas, a former member of the Peruvian football team. Journalist Alexandra Horler, also involved in the world of sports, carried the torch in the last meters of the tour in Miraflores. 

One of the greatest surprises was Mexican goal scorer Jared Borgetti, who was part of this continental celebration. Jared, along with former Argentine tennis player Javier Frana, and former hockey player Mechi Margalot, of the international network ESPN covered this celebration. 

The Pan American Flame moved to the district of Surquillo. It was 15:00 and celebrities continued to join. Peruvian renowned journalist Monica Delta was one of the most applauded torchbearers. 

The flame was approaching the hands of the Peruvian goalkeeper, Pedro Gallese, who eagerly waited to light the cauldron. Before that, world surfing champion Sofia Mulanovich received a standing ovation and walked 150 meters with the flame. 

Near the Municipal Stadium in Surquillo, where Pedro Gallese was waiting, the torch was taken by Lima Mayor Jorge Muñoz. Music, dances, and plenty of colors filled the streets on the last meters of the journey, just a few hours before the Lima 2019 Opening Ceremony starts. 

Finally, the President of the Pan American Games Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, relayed the torch to Pedro Gallese. The goalkeeper, 2019 Copa América runner-up, lighted the cauldron to continue with the great celebration hours later in the National Stadium.