Two children stand out from the crowd and move through a labyrinth in a dynamic choreography. The scene represents the beginning of a friendship between the two characters, while the labyrinth symbolizes life itself, with its difficulties and obstacles. Both children help each other to overcome obstacles and strengthen their friendship. 

The story shown at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games opening ceremony is not far from reality. Two children, who have become an example of significant self-improvement and have overcome obstacles themselves, play the leading roles. Piero Guidiche Montes (13) and Jheremy Alejos Pérez (10) are the children who did their best during the rehearsals of this fantastic ceremony. 

Piero Guidiche has cerebral palsy, as a result of swallowing amniotic fluid at birth; however, he is not intimidated by this condition. Very early in the morning, he attends his physical rehabilitation and psychological therapy sessions at the Hogar Clínica San Juan de Dios accompanied by his mother. 

"Piero has been struggling almost since he was born. We've faced difficult moments; not everything has been joy. At age 7, he began to realize what he had, but then he completely came to terms with it," said his mother. 

This little hero plays football, swims and enjoys athletics. He is a very enthusiastic and determined boy who has successfully participated in many sports competitions. Piero says: "Even if there is a difficulty, you can do it. Every day is a new opportunity for me because I know how to stand up.” 

His mother is more than proud and says that his coaches have told her that he has the skills to become a successful athlete. "Nothing Piero ends up doing would surprise me because I know he's going to do it with that great spirit he has.” 

There is another touching story behind the two characters that dazzled the audience on the night of the Parapan American Games opening ceremony: Jheremy Alejos, whose life story is an example. Due to a congenital condition, he has only one leg and uses crutches to move around.  

Jheremy lives in Jicamarca, two hours away from Lima. Every morning, he attends his therapies alone at Hogar Clínica San Juan de Dios. His father cannot go with him because he has to work.  

José is a single father of two boys, Jheremy and Santiago, and is also the only support of his family as a cleaning worker. Three times a week, at 04:00, José takes Jheremy to the bus that will transport him to San Juan de Dios. They are three men who face a hard routine every day.  

"Thanks to Jheremy I have come to understand many things. He’s a very skillful child, very independent. For me, it hasn't been easy to let him move around on his own. My aunt also helped me,” said José. 

The lives of Piero and Jheremy are inspiring. They have starred their own stories on a very special occasion: the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games opening ceremony, which captivated attendees and millions of television viewers who followed it. 

At the beginning of the ceremony, the Peruvian flag was carried by the gold medalists of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, surfer Daniella Rosas and fronton player Kevin Martinez.

The traditional parade of the delegations participating in the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games was led by the main representatives of the countries competing in the sixth edition of the event, inaugurated today at the National Stadium.

The Peruvian delegation received the most applause, like at the Pan American Games, led by Para taekwondo fighter Angélica Espinoza. She is one of the main contenders to win medals at the Parapan American Games, which began this past Thursday.

Among the main flagbearers were Gustavo “Gusti” Fernández, first in the wheelchair tennis world ranking and winner of three Grand Slams contested this year, who led the Argentinian team.

The flagbearer for the United States was Katie Holloway, gold medalist in the Rio 2016 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games and silver medalist in London 2012 in sitting volleyball. Costa Rica’s flagbearer was Para swimmer Camila Haase.

Carrying Brazil’s flag was the world’s best goalball player, Leomon Moreno da Silva, who led a delegation that has come to win first place like they did in Rio 2007, Guadalajara 2011 and Toronto 2015.

The flagbearer for Mexico was judoka Eduardo Ávila, who will compete in the 81 kg category. His track record includes a gold medal in the Rio 2007, Guadalajara 2011 and Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, as well as a gold medal in the Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The Colombian leader was Alejandro Perea, one of the best Para cyclists in the world and current world champion. He will compete in the Para cycling track individual time trial and pursuit events and in the Para cycling road sprint and time trial events.

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In the parade, Darwin Castro, an athlete with visual impairment, carried the Ecuadorian flag. He competes in the 1500- and 5000-meter events alongside his guide, Sebastián Rosero, who won the bronze medal in 5000 meters at Toronto 2015.

Chile’s flagbearer was Para swimmer Alberto Abarza, who won the National Sports Award of Chile and has five Parapan American records in 50, 100 and 200 meters freestyle and in 50 and 100 meters backstroke. He is ranked first in the Para swimming World Series.

Para swimmer Javier Hernández is the flagbearer for Puerto Rico, while Para badminton player Raúl Anguiano led the Guatemalan delegation. Akira López, who will compete in 100 meters, was chosen as the leader of the delegation of Nicaragua.

Meanwhile, Para athlete Getrudis Ortega was tasked with leading Panama in the parade.  The Para athletics multi-medalist, Omara Durand, was chosen as flagbearer for Cuba. She is considered the fastest woman in the Paralympic world, surpassing the 12-second barrier in 100 meters.

Additionally, the other flagbearers were Elliott Loonstra from Aruba (Para taekwondo), Sean Cooke from Barbados (Para athletics, Steve Wilson from Bermuda (boccia), Stephanie Chan from Canada (Para table tennis), Herbert Aceituno from El Salvador (Para powerlifting), Gibran Sarfaraz from Guyana (Para table tennis), Lounevie Pierre from Hait (Para athletics), Carlos Velásquez from Honduras (Para athletics).

Finally, the following were also flagbearers: Chadwick Campbell from Jamaica (Para athletics), Melissa Nair Tillner Galeano from Paraguay (Para athletics), José Manuel Abud from the Dominican Republic (Para powerlifting), John Jaldini from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Para swimming), Chivaro Belfort from Suriname (Para athletics), Nyoshia Cain-Claxton from Trinidad and Tobago (Para athletics), Carmelo Milán from Uruguay (Para shooting) and Belkys Mota from Venezuela (Para swimming).

The third competition day at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games will have a series of medal-defining stages in Para athletics, Para table tennis, judo and shooting Para sport, as part of a long multi-sports day.

In Para athletics, the men’s shot put finals will take place at the Athletics Stadium of the National Sports Village (Videna) in San Luis, starting at 15:00. The women's and men’s discus throw finals will be held in this venue as well.

The session will continue with the men's 5000m finals, men's and women's long jump finals, men's 200m finals, men's javelin throw finals, men's 1500m finals, women's 400m and 200m finals, among others.

In judo, medal-deciding bouts will take place in the -60 kg, 66 kg, -90 kg, 100 kg, and +100 kg categories, as well as the women's -52 kg final. The bouts will be held at Videna sports center, starting at 9:00.

A DAY FULL OF PARA SPORTS

Para table tennis will also have a busy day, with events including the men's and women's semifinals. The matches will start at 10:00 at Videna. Meanwhile, the shooting Para sport final of mixed 10m air rifle stand will be held at Las Palmas Shooting Range.

Also, women’s and men’s wheelchair basketball will have a series of preliminary games at Videna, starting at 8:00. Among the most important ones are Group B games in both categories between Peru and Brazil, starting at 18:30 and 20:45, respectively.

A total of six matches are scheduled in football 5-a-side and football 7-a-side. Among them is the preliminary match between Peru and Brazil. The matches will be played in the hockey and rugby field at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center. They will start at 9:30.

The third competition day of the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games will end with preliminary wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis and sitting volleyball matches.

In wheelchair rugby, the most noteworthy matches to be held at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center are United States vs Argentina and Canada vs Brazil, starting at 8:00. In wheelchair tennis, the matches involving Peruvians Ysabelino Apaza, Jesús Mayhua y María Castillo stand out. They will take place at Lawn Tennis Club in Jesus María, starting at 11:00.

As for sitting volleyball, Peru will face off the United States in both women’s and men's events. The women's national team will also play against Canada. These and other preliminary matches will take place at the Callao Regional Sports Village, starting at 8:00.

A few hours before the lavish lighting of the cauldron at the majestic National Stadium, the Parapan American Torch ends its impressive tour though the “City of the Kings” at Parque de las Leyendas, located in the district of San Miguel.

There, the best of the three days was reflected in the spirit of the Games that opened a new chapter in the history of Lima, with the effort and integration of all Peruvians in accordance with the fundamental principles of the Paralympic movement.

The Lima 2019 Organizing Committee President Carlos Neuhaus assured that the spirit of the Games leaves an enduring legacy to Peru, allowing Peruvians to reflect on the challenges that their society must take on in order to offer greater opportunities to people with impairments.

“It has been a titanic effort and finally, we did it because Peruvians and our Para athletes were involved. They are doubly heroes because they overcome their own problems and represent Peru in the biggest Para sports event in the Americas. And we will leave them a country where people with impairments have greater possibilities of showing their potential,” he said with passion to the audience, who gathered in the surroundings of the emblematic zoo of Lima.

In this regard, Neuhaus, who was the penultimate Parapan American torchbearer, also pointed out that the legacy of Lima 2019 will be the future generations of Para athletes. “I want the Games to allow the formation of new Para athletes who become the winners of sports awards and bring glory to Peru,” he stated accompanied by the ovation of the public.

Meanwhile, the mayor of San Miguel, Juan José Guevara, thanked Carlos Neuhaus for being one of the Lima 2019 venues and living a unique experience that has filled all neighbors with joy. He also stressed that the Games reflect everything can be achieved with teamwork in Peru. “When Peruvians join forces and give our best, we achieve great things that serve as an example to the world,” said the mayor.

In this way, the Parapan American Flame ends its impressive route across Lima, bordering the 100 kilometers including approximately 300 relays. This torch relay promotes the Paralympic values to the citizens of Lima and lay the foundations to build a much more inclusive and egalitarian society in which the slogan Let’s all Play! is immortalized.

Héctor Chumpitaz, one of the stars of Peruvian national sports, participated in the final stretch of the Parapan American torch Relay through the streets of Callao.

The acclaimed “Captain of the Americas” and Lima 2019 ambassador shared the spirit of the Games while passing through the Av. Guardia Chalaca, leaving a trail of brotherhood among people of Callao.

In this regard, the Flame was placed at the Daniel Alcides Carrión Hospital, where patients, hospital staff and pedestrians created an atmosphere of celebration with cheering phrases like “let’s go Peru” and “let’s go captain.” In this way, everybody at the hospital celebrated this unforgettable moment of joy for the patients.

Receiving the ovation from the public, Peru’s emblematic defender, impetuously toured a stretch of 200 meters, recalling his magnificent performance on the field of play.

After his participation, he said that he feels honored to carry the Parapan American symbol and contribute to the development of this torch relay before the lighting of the cauldron at the National Stadium and that this sporting event is putting Peru under the spotlight of the Americas.

“I feel a great glory of being able to carry the Torch, just like I did in the Pan American Games. Lima 2019 is a sporting event that is leaving a very important legacy for our youth,” he said effusively.

The captain of the Peruvian national football team, Paolo Guerrero, has always honored his last name. His dedication, determination and courage have made him one of Peru’s most beloved athletes and an example of fighting against adversity.  

With that same conviction, the popular “Depredador” sent a warm message of encouragement to the delegation of 139 Peruvian Para athletes who will represent us at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. 

“Hi, it’s your friend Paolo Guerrero. I’d like to wish great success to all the athletes of the Paralympic Association of Peru,” he stated in a video supporting our delegation, posted on the National Paralympic Association of Peru’s social media. 

It is important to remember that Paolo Guerrero has had an amazing track record in his extensive sports carrier in important clubs in Germany and Brazil, including two German tournament titles, a Club World Cup, a German Cup, a Recopa Sudamericana and a Brasileirao. To see the Peruvian captain’s message, click on this link: https://n9.cl/les0. 

They have not only been recognized nationally and internationally because of their kindness and great work ethic. The volunteers of Lima 2019 are also synonymous with neighborly love in extreme situations.

One of those difficult situations occurred at the Uniform and Accreditation Center (UAC) located in Jockey Club, Santiago de Surco, last Sunday at 12:30, when the volunteers were having lunch in the dining hall.

All of the sudden, the volunteer named Manuel Esteban Carruitero Gonzales (51) started to show signs of choking. The volunteer Gustavo Adolfo Espejo Alvarado (41) reacted quickly and preformed first-aid techniques on his friend in order to help him.

Gustavo’s timely intervention allowed Manuel to expel the piece of meat he was choking on. This story, that could have had a tragic ending, had a happy one thanks to the courage and determination of a Lima 2019 volunteer.

Manuel Carruitero, an economist by profession, was thankful for Gustavo’s help, because thanks to his opportune intervention he was able to come out okay from a life-threatening situation and can now continue his work as a volunteer.

“Everything turned out okay because we work as a team and we help each other in this once-in-a-lifetime experience as volunteers,” said Manuel who has been working since June 10 at the UAC.

According to Gustavo Espejo, who studied Political Science at the National University of San Marcos and is now studying a Law at the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, it was important to perform the Heimlich Maneuver quickly and properly. This technique is used to dislodge food stuck in a person’s throat. Gustavo had learnt it theoretically, but it was his first time performing it in real life.

When he saw his fellow volunteer required assistance he did not hesitate to help him; he knew that every second was vital for his well-being.

They are now more united than ever and happy to have made history as part of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games.

The head of the Lima 2019 Volunteer Office, Angela Morales, highlighted the importance of Gustavo Espejo’s life-saving actions, which should serve as an inspiration to others.

“We’re proud to participate in the same program. Let’s not let our guard down, let’s keep on working our hardest,” she said.

WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION

The Lima 2019 Organizing Committee recognized this courageous action and, through Gustavo Espejo Alvarado, recognized the thousands of volunteers who have contributed to the Lima 2019 Pan American Games having been described as the best Games in history by Panam Sports. This distinction will be reaffirmed in the upcoming days during the Parapan American Games.

In addition to his commendable action, Gustavo Espejo Alvarado was recognized for his outstanding work as a volunteer at the Uniform and Accreditation Center.

In the middle of a great excitement, the world surfing champion, Sofia Mulanovich, started the final route of the Parapan American Torch relay, that had its starting point at the Callao Rehabilitation Hospital.

The renowned Peruvian athlete toured the surroundings of this hospital, located in the Constitutional Province of Callao, carrying a message of brotherhood and integration to the patients, who were also happy for the Parapan American Games.

The Olympic medalist gripped the spirit of the Games and shared the values of Para sports to people with impairments in this health care center, who gathered to welcome the Parapan American caravan. The surfer smiled and exclaimed Let’s all play!, a message that was received with emotion by the patients.

Additionally, “La Reina” stressed that she feels honored to be the bearer of the emblem of Para sports, which is creating an atmosphere of unity among all Peruvians, based on the Paralympic values.

“I am very proud to be part of the Parapan American torch relay. Para sports should be a source of inspiration for all Peruvians, so we must get united and go to the sports venues to support our compatriots who are giving their best while representing us,” she stressed with enthusiasm.

After a route of 200 meters, the winner of the Peruvian Sports Laurels with the Grand Cross mention passed the torch to the famous radio host Gina Parker.

“The Games allow the society to raise awareness about having equal opportunities in life. Para athletes teach us that everything can be achieved with teamwork and perseverance in this beautiful country,” she said while the crowd was cheering.

The day is not yet over and the Flame that embodies Paralympic values has brought people in Callao together, in common areas. The legacy will be the foundation to build a more inclusive and tolerant society, with equal opportunities for all Peruvians.

There is nothing more gratifying for Lima 2019 Para athletes than competing on a stage where there is constant cheering. This morning, the Callao Sports Center provided that human warmth to the best sitting volleyball players of the continent, who expressed their gratitude with a big applause. In this festive setting, the first phase of the Parapan American Games sitting volleyball competition began.

Although the Peruvian debut was not encouraging, as they lost 3-0 to the three-time champion, Brazil, this type of international experience adds up. It is important to keep in mind that this is the first time the Peruvian teams participate in this type of competition.

“We competed against the best team of the continent, which has players who have been in three Olympic cycles. They practice the sport full time, while we have only been training seven months for this event. However, we enjoyed it because the support of the crowd was amazing and that motivates us for what’s coming next,” said the team captain, Bruno Quiros.

On his part, Brazil’s star player, Daniel Lima (world runner-up and three-time Parapan American Games champion), stated he was moved by the Peruvian fans’ support. “We applauded the fans because, for a Para athlete, this means a lot. I still remember that when I started my cycle with Brazil, at the Rio 2007 Parapan American Games, we didn’t have any fans. This will help Peruvian volleyball,” he pointed out.

The Peruvian men’s team will play two matches tomorrow: first against the United States at 10:00 and then against Canada at 15:00. The women’s team will debut against the United States from 19:00. The tournament has a round-robin format and the top four teams will advance to the semifinals. Then, the two winning teams of the semifinals will compete for the gold medal on August 28.

BUY YOUR TICKETS

Tickets to see the two Peruvian sitting volleyball teams in action start at PEN 10 and there will be a 50% discount for people under the age of 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket office at VIDENA, gate 1, and at the 11 Teleticket counters.

Tickets can also be purchased online, on the official website lima2019.pe/tickets, where you can find the detailed competition schedule. In the case of e-tickets, printing will not be necessary, as the spectator can show their e-ticket on their mobile phones at the venue’s entrance.

“Thanks, Peru. These were the best Pan American Games in history,” stated Neven Ilic, president of Panam Sports, during his speech from twelve days ago at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games Closing Ceremony in the National Stadium, in the presence of the highest authorities of Peru and Chile, 40 thousand people—including athletes and the general public—, and millions of viewers around the world. 

There are several factors that can determine that Lima 2019 is truly among the most successful continental events in history. 

The first factor is, without a doubt, the number of records that were set in this event, starting with the number of participating athletes: a total of 6508 athletes, a number never seen before in this type of event. Then, over 100,000 young people from around the world signed up as volunteers, with the final number being 12 thousand, and were essential to the organization. If we add to this the fact that the qualifying events for the Olympic Games increased from 12 to 21 sports disciplines, it is clear that we have a competition that was superior to past editions.  

The sports figures are surprising. The more than 100 Olympic medalists and the new generations of athletes showed everyone that the level of sports in the continent is on the rise. 

At Lima 2019, a total of 3028 medals were awarded: 419 gold medals, 419 silver medals, 523 bronze medals. Additionally, the US won the most medals with 293 and it was precisely one of its athletes who received the biggest applause because she was the top medal winner of the event. Rhythmic gymnast Evita Griskenas of Team USA won five medals in total: four gold in ball, hoop, ribbon and individual all-around, and one bronze in clubs.  

Moreover, several countries achieved historic performances: Brazil came in second with 171 medals (55 gold, 45 silver and 71 bronze); Mexico gave its best performance outside its borders, coming in third place with 136 medals; the host country, Peru, had never before won 11 gold medals and a total of 39; and Chile won 50 medals, 13 of which were gold, improving its best performance at Buenos Aires 1951. Finally, Aruba and the British Virgin Islands were the only two nations in the history of the Pan American Sports Organization to have never made it on to the podium, but in Lima, both nations won medals. Aruba won bronze in sailing and the Virgin Islands won gold in athletics. 

In total, 68 Pan American records were broken in eight sports: 13 in athletics, three in cycling, seven in swimming, 16 in archery, 14 in weightlifting and 15 in shooting. 

Nevertheless, by far the most important achievement of the XVIII edition of the Pan American Games came from Brady Ellison, from the United States. He earned 702 points in the individual recurve bow event, a new world record, leaving behind the 700-point record of Korean Kim Woojin from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. 

Aside from the numbers, everything points to the fact that the outcome of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games was extremely positive for all the participants of this great continental event. And, as the curtain falls on this celebration, it will be four more years until Santiago de Chile gathers the best athletes of Americas once more, in a mission that will surely not be easy, since Peru set an extremely high bar in terms of organization and sports level.

ABOUT PANAM SPORTS

Exclusive content of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, including backstage and interviews of the greatest figures can be found on our Panam Sports Channel. Visit www.panamsportschannel.org

Panam Sports is the leader of sports and the Olympic Movement in the Americas. Panam Sports encourages the development of sports and supports the 41 National Olympic Committee members in order to inspire greater worldwide participation, as well as the participation of the youth, to prepare the next generation of athletes across the continent.

Panam Sports works closely with athletes, National Olympic Committees (NOC), the Organizing Committees of all regional Games, Pan American Sports Confederations, International Federations (IFs) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure the success of their main event: the Pan American Games.

For the latest news and updates on Panam Sports, visit the website www.panamsports.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube @PanamSports.