PANAM SPORTS GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD IN LIMA AS PAN AMERICAN GAMES GET CLOSER

Lima has become the world capital of sports as it hosts the 2019 Pan American Games. This was the reason why 57th Panam Sports General Assembly, which gathers the main sports authorities from the Americas, was held in this city.

The honor guest at this meeting was International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach, who arrived especially for the Assembly and the Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games, to be held tomorrow at the National Stadium.

Also in attendance were Panam Sports President Neven Ilic, Mayor of Lima Jorge Muñoz, and Lima 2019 Organizing Committee President Carlos Neuhaus. They were joined by Iván Dibós, Peruvian IOC member, and Pedro del Rosario, from the Peruvian Olympic Committee.

Thomas Bach highlighted the fact that the meeting was being held in Peru, as he has good memories of the 2017 IOC Assembly, also held in this country. “I am so excited about being here in Lima once again thanks to Panam Sports. The Americas are now at the heart of the sports world after hosting the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games, the 2017 IOC Assembly and the 2016 Olympic Games. All of them have gone down in history. I’m sure that the Pan American Games will become a milestone in the Americas,” he stated.

“We have to look at the future of the Olympic movement and reflect upon its changes. I’d ask Peruvians to feel proud of these Games, because they’ll be a true celebration that will bring their country together in a way that only sports can manage. Let’s all play in Lima 2019. We haven’t forgotten that Lima witnessed the historic double election of Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 to host the Olympic Games, and we’re thankful for that. Peru has a rich history in sports. These Games will be a starting point for reinforcing sports in the country and develop new Olympic athletes. We thank the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, the mayor of Lima and the Olympic family in Peru,” he added.

To end his speech, Thomas Bach declared the Assembly opened. “I wish all Olympic Committees success with the athletes from the Americas at Tokyo 2020. It is an honor for me to declare the Assembly opened,” he concluded.

PANAM SPORTS

Meanwhile, Panam Sports President Neven Ilic confessed feeling excited about living the Pan American Games in Lima. “The truth is, I’m excited to see that day come. I must thank my friend, Carlos Neuhaus, and thank Thomas Bach for coming to Lima after his stay in Japan. At the beginning, two years ago, we were worried about the Games, but we put all our trust on the team led by Carlos Neuhaus. They’ve done amazing work on the road to this celebration. It was a job well done. The athletes are happy at the Village and the venues are world-class. We hope these Games turn out to be the best in history,” said Ilic.

“The road that Lima 2019 shows us is one of constant growth. We’re all part of these Games. We’re a family and that is a big task. The starting point in Lima is fantastic. I want to congratulate Peru for all the work done to host amazing Games,” concluded the Panam Sports president.

MAYOR OF LIMA

In turn, the Mayor of Lima, Jorge Muñoz, welcomed the visitors to the Pan American Games and the Panam Sports Assembly. “Let me welcome you to Lima. May you enjoy the Games and treasure the memories of your visit. I do hope you can come back soon. Enjoy our city and our gastronomy. I do hope Lima makes you feel at home. May you become part of the success of these Games. ‘Let’s all play’ our part in this. We want you to return to your countries as ambassadors of the Perú Brand and the Lima Brand too. I wish you all the best of success,” stated Muñoz.

The Assembly featured presentations by the Lima 2019 Coordination, Technical and Medical Committees in relation to their work during the organization of the Pan American Games in Peru.

 ABOUT LIMA 2019

The Opening Ceremony of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games will be held at the National Stadium this Friday, July 26. This continental event will gather 6680 athletes from 41 countries and delegations from the Americas.

There will be 17 days of competitions and ceremonies between July 26 and August 11, 2019, which will take place in 14 districts of Lima and Callao. Some venues are the VIDENA, Villa María Sports Center, Callao Regional Village, Villa El Salvador Sports Center, Punta Rocas Surfing Sports Center, among others.

The Lima 2019 Pan American Games will include 39 sports and 61 disciplines, in which athletes will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals. A total of 21 disciplines are qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

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