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LIMA 2019: PAN AMERICAN GAMES TO LEAVE NEW GENERATION OF ATHLETES AND INFRASTRUCTURE LEGACY
Alberto Valenzuela, Lima 2019 Games Operations Manager, said that over 400 million viewers have watched the Opening Ceremony online.
The Pan American Games, currently taking place in Lima, will leave a new generation of athletes and a great legacy in Olympic-level infrastructure in Peru, according to Alberto Valenzuela, Lima 2019 Operations Manager.
He shared his pride in how the first step has been taken so that sport in Peru results in an accelerated, solid and forward-looking development for the next generation.
“These boys who are joining us, the Peruvians and foreigners who are competing, leave us not only a legacy of better young people, a better generation and a better example, but also the effort involved in the construction of sports facilities never seen in our country,” he said in a press conference, joined by General Secretary of Panam Sports Ivar Sisniega and athletes Itzel Delgado (Peru - Surf), Ariana Orrego (Peru - Gymnastics), Connor Baxter (USA - Surf), Grant Rheeza (Trinidad and Tobago - Volleyball) and Lena Guimaraes (Brazil - Surf).
He mentioned that this infrastructure was built and delivered on time with the Olympic-class service which athletes deserve. “These Games are the most important sports event in our continent and in our history.”
Afterwards, he highlighted that more than 580,000 tickets for the Pan American Games have been sold so far, reaching up to 40,000 tickets sold per day.
“In addition, over 400 million viewers worldwide were present at the Opening Ceremony through the TV cameras; the stadium was full, with 50,000 spectators; and 7 out of every 10 citizens saw the opening event,” he added.
He thanked Peruvian and foreign journalists for covering the Pan American Games and informing the entire world about the details of this sporting event.
Security, Residents and Press
Furthermore, Valenzuela informed there are 20,000 agents of the Peruvian National Police responsible for providing security in the development of the Pan American Games.
Moreover, he thanked all the citizens for understanding all the measures set out for transportation, such as the Pan American lane and the latest measure by the Municipality of Lima: “pico y placa” (“rush hour and license plate”).
Transportation
The Lima 2019 operations manager also mentioned that transportation in Lima is a challenge, because arranging 4000 trips with 1200 vehicles to transport athletes and accredited press every day is complex.
“We're sorry for the inconvenience, but some adjustments have been made in recent days and in this second stage, after the experience we've had, we will be better,” he assured.