The sporting event hosted by Lima 2019 for more than two weeks still lingers in our memory and undoubtedly the ones that remember it more fondly are the athletes that qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after their victories at the Pan American Games.
During an emotional afternoon in which many life stories were shared, the biggest Peruvian delegation in the history of the Parapan American Games was presented. The National Paralympic Association of Peru presented the 139 Para athletes who will compete to make it to the highest of the podium at Lima 2019. The excitement of the Games will continue, since August 22, in the most important multi-sports event in the Americas.
Lucha Villar, head of the National Paralympic Association of Peru, said that she is pleased with the participation of this group of Para athletes, who inspire Peruvian young people. The opening ceremony will be held on August 23 at the National Stadium; while the competition calendar starts one day before with Para table tennis at Sports Center 3 - VIDENA.
“I’ve witnessed everything they've worked to be here. Each of them has a story of personal overcoming, and we want to write a book that shows the opportunities they should have in our society. You will be our inspiration during these days that Lima will become the capital of the Parapan American Games,” said Villar.
Peru will participate in 16 Para sports; sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball have the highest number of Para athletes, 24 in each team (12 in the women’s national team and 12 in the men’s.) The President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, also highlighted the determination of Para athletes.
“I’m sure that, as in the Pan American Games, this will be the most successful Games for our Para athletes. I’ve seen many of you training in different conditions. From Lima 2019 on, you will have suitable places to practice your disciplines, and national and international competitions will be held there to have a higher number of Para athletes qualified,” said Neuhaus.
Other disciplines present in Lima 2019 are boccia (4 Para athletes), football 5-a-side (10), football 7-a-side (14), goalball (12), judo (1), Para athletics (14), Para badminton (10), Para cycling (2), Para swimming (4), Para powerlifting (4), Para taekwondo (4), Para table tennis (4), wheelchair tennis (5) and Shooting Para sport (3).
“It’s something never seen before. Gathering 139 Para athletes for such an important event is very emotional. Now I remember that only 6 of us made it to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and it proves that we have grown substantially in Para sports, this gives us the chance to be more visible and we expect that the Peruvian fans go cheer on us,” said Para athlete Juan Luis Casas.
The President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, and the athletes Andrea Almarza, Saida Salcedo and Kevin Martínez were awarded by the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola.
In a short speech to the athletes, Neuhaus stated he was “very proud of all of you who represented Peru and also of the volunteers, whose work has been extraordinary.”
“Seeing each one of you giving your best for Peru and then on the podium celebrating your achievements is something I won’t forget. The best reward we’ve ever had was watching your photos biting the medal and holding the cuchimilco in your hands,” he added.
He also mentioned that the outcome of the Pan American Games “has been a total success. All the population has played, they have respected the ‘Pan American lane’. It is something that has touched everyone and made us proud to be Peruvians.”
“This has been accomplished thanks to a team that was formed and started to take shape, and the results were given, although there are always anecdotes. For example, one day at 05:00 I was told that 100 drivers had not showed up. By 07:00, everything was working fine, but it was two hours of great anguish. And that would not have been possible without the support of the Air Force and the Army. Thanks to that, all the buses went out to work and it did not affect the development of the Games,” he concluded.
At the ceremony were also present the Mayor of Lima, Jorge Muñoz; the founder and President of the Fundación Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Raúl Diez Canseco; the President of the Peruvian Sports Institute, Sebastián Suito; the Secretary General of the Peruvian Olympic Committee, Carlos Manuel Lazarte; as well as Iván Dibós, member of the International Olympic Committee.
The first stage of the campaign called “Lima: a city that does NOT play with violence against children”, joining Lima 2019, the Municipality of Lima, and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), through the power of sports and Olympic values against violence, finished today paying homage to the sportive spirit of the Games with a walkathon.
The president of COPAL, Carlos Neuhaus, the Mayor of Lima, Jorge Muñoz, the representative of UNICEF in Peru, Ana de Mendoza, the UK Ambassador, Kate Harrisson, Regional Director of Education in Metropolitan Lima Area, Killa Miranda, the Vice-Minister of Pedagogical Management, Patricia Andrade, and the district mayors of Surquillo, Magdalena del Mar, and Lince led the walk which started from Plaza San Martín and finished in Plaza Mayor of Lima, .
The authorities together with other athletes and medalists of Lima 2019 walked along the Jirón de la Unión holding a large Peruvian UNICEF shirt which passed by the Games venues during competition.
Many Lima 2019 volunteers walked with the girls, boys and adolescents of the National Council of Children and Adolescents (CONNA), La Onda de Mi Cole (interscholastic game promoted by UNICEF and Prisma), the Student Metropolitan Committee (COMETE) and the Casa de los Petisos.
At the end of the walk, the authorities hung the shirt on the balcony of the Municipal Palace of Lima with a back having a background music the patriotic encouragements and batucada from ‘La Blanquirroja’.
“Fortunately, this shirt seems small in comparison to all the accomplishments we have reached in this Pan American Games. A way to compete against violence is working constantly and permanently, and these Games have shown that when all of us come together with one purpose that is above everything, like sports, we can get along very well among Peruvians. We thought it was very important to connect Lima 2019 to this work of UNICEF, that is above everything something good for all. We should always think that peace let us grow”, declared Neuhaus.
In that same note, the mayor of Lima, Jorge Muñoz, emphasized Lima 2019 has always been driven by unity, it along with other values shall drive the society in the future.
“I believe that these Games have shown us what our country should be, of what our dear Peru should be. But nothing of that will be accomplished if we are not together as we are now. Let’s remember the Games motto: "Let’s all play". I would like to ask Carlos to let us use this motto to say, in relation to the protection of children and adolescents, that “Let’s all play”.
Finally, the representative of UNICEF highlighted that the Pan American Games will be a great opportunity to also eradicate other type of violence spread in our country, but, at the same time, not recognized as such: indifference.
The Pan American Games have been incredible. It has been an opportunity to put Lima and Peru out in the world, and I believe it was beneficial for everyone. As UNICEF, we want the Games social legacy to be the eradication of violence against children and adolescents. We also want the Parapan American Games to have the same visibility of the extraordinary Pan American Games. We do not want our indifference to become one more obstacle for the children who struggle daily to have the best possible development”, he assured.
While the national anthem was playing, standing at the top of the podium, Alexandra Grande felt immense pride for what she had achieved. She was proud, not only because of her gold medal in karate, but also because Lima 2019 was the driving force behind the close bond between athletes and fans; it enabled fans to identify with the dedication of those who represented Peru at the Pan American Games.
Therefore, the two-time Pan American champion encouraged Peruvians to continue cheering for our athletes, this time at the Parapan American Games, which start on August 22. The table tennis competition, at Sports Center 3 in VIDENA, will kick off the event. You can buy tickets to see these amazing athletes at www.lima2019.pe/tickets.
“Fans need to know that Lima 2019 is not over. It’s time to support our Para athletes with the same passion they showed at the Pan American Games. I know they’re going to kill it at the Parapan American Games and make Peru proud,” stated Alexandra.
Grande added that she hopes to be alongside the Peruvian representatives. “I’m going to be checking up on them, visiting them at the Village to give them energy and supporting them in their competitions. I have many friends in the delegation (Pedro Pablo de Vinatea, Dunia Felices, Pilar Jáuregui) who I deeply admire for their achievements.
About having been awarded at the Government Palace, the karateka thanked the president for always being close to them and also stated that the Pan American Games were an amazing experience that moved her to tears.
“Now, people recognize me on the street and their warmth is amazing. It’s not something I’m used to and it feels nice. Because all my fights were on television, a lady came up to me and told me I made her cry with joy. That was something that made me reflect on how powerful sports can be,” she added.
About the historic feat of being a two-time Pan American champion, alongside skier Natalia Cuglievan, she made it clear Peruvian women are capable of great things. “Natalia (Cuglievan) and I are good friends and well, as women, having made history in Peruvian sports makes us very happy,” she concluded.
The ceremony at the Government Palace was one of mutual gratitude. On one side, President Martín Vizcarra awarded the athletes who won medals at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, while the athletes, represented by Alexandra Grande, congratulated the president for attending competitions like a regular fan of Peruvian sports.
Everyone, even the athletes who were absent, were awarded the Order of Merit for Distinguished Services in the “comendador” rank. Vizcarra also pointed out the abilities of the competitors in each discipline, and highlighted the participation of the 21 women who made it on to the podium at the Pan American competitions.
“Your presence here is the just acknowledgement of your talent and dexterity, as well as your faith and perseverance during the 2019 Pan American Games. For everything you’ve done for the country, which will remain as an example for the children of Peru, we award you with this decoration of honor,” said the president to the athletes.
Vizcarra also acknowledged the work of the president of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, for his ability to manage the government’s resources in pursuit of executing one of the greatest editions of the most important multi-sports events in the continent.
“The success of the Games would not have been possible without the effort and hard work of a great professional who, since day one, despite the doubts, suspicions and pessimism of some, committed himself entirely to this great project that has put Peru under the world’s spotlight. The entire country recognizes your dedication, work and commitment,” asserted the president.
Vizcarra pointed out that the sports event proved Peru is ready to organize massive events. “Once again, I thank you on behalf of the entire country for having represented us so honorably, for being our ambassadors, our pride, our example,” concluded Vizcarra.
The Parapan American Games Opening Ceremony will be held on August 23 and it will gather 1890 Para athletes from 33 countries.
Jesús Salvá, Para badminton player, is one of our stars for these Games. He is training hard to give his best at the Parapan American Games. This young athlete is part of the top 30 in the world ranking and belongs to the short stature category.
Salvá, 19 years old, said he was delighted, excited and ready to compete. He is training every day up to three times a day, taking care of his diet and having physical and psychological therapies to be in best conditions.
Our Para badminton representative made a call to the public to support Para athletes, buying tickets and attending to the sports competitions of 17 sports and 18 disciplines.
He also said that this is a great opportunity to promote Para sports and for the media to publicize the achievements of all participants.
Benoit “Piccolo” Clemente, the surfing gold-medal winner at Lima 2019, offered all his support to Para athletes of the Parapan American Games, which will be held in next few days in Lima.
“Piccolo” and Jesús Salvá encouraged all Peruvians to join this party and turn sports venues into a celebration along with the best fans in the world.
Piccolo also said that he will try to attend most competitions because Para athletes are highly capable and an example for youth and society. “We’ll be proud to see these athletes. I’m sure they will reach a lot of medals for Peruvian fans,” he stated.
Héctor Ramos, who is in charge of ticket sales for Lima 2019, invited the public to get their tickets for the Parapan American Games and encourage these Para athletes.
He also indicated that ticket prices start at PEN 10. There will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment, available in the different points of sale and through the Lima 2019 website lima2019.pe/tickets
The Parapan American competitions will be held at VIDENA, Miguel Grau Coliseum, Callao Sports Center, Costa Verde San Miguel venue, Villa El Salvador Sports Center and Las Palmas Air Base.
Master Class Schools in the Lima Metropolitan Area will include a training on the values of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games in their class schedules, so that their students can learn more about the benefits of sport and about the new disciplines recently discovered.by our country.
The learning methodology will be developed in 20 sessions during the math and science classes, which will take from 45 to 90 minutes. The goal is for students to increase their knowledge on different subjects of the Pan American Games to discover their skills and have a healthy life through sports.
Bernardina Rojas Santillán, teacher at I.E. 2054 Sangarará, pointed out that the end of the Pan American Games program and the beginning of the Parapan American Games program have been scheduled for this month though the learning unit. For this reason, different subjects will be developed throughout some sessions, including the Chancay Culture that inspired the Lima 2019 official mascot, Milco, and different cultural events in our regions.
In addition, she informed they will include information on the number of participating countries and medals, to obtain statistics and use them in their math classes.
In the sports activities, they will try to recreate the events in which Peruvian athletes have participated and students will learn a little more about these sports through competitions, highlighting values as respect, excellence, friendship and equality.
The President of the Republic, Martín Vizcarra Cornejo, and the Minister of Education, Flor Pablo Medina, along with Milco, the Lima 2019 official mascot, participated in this activity that will start in this school, Institución Educativa No. 2043 Sangarará, located in Comas.
The Head of State pointed out that winning 39 medals shows that we can grow and that we must establish our goals and work hard to achieve them. “This is why it’s so important to practice sports from a young age. I’d like to ask all parents to help us and support their children’s sport training, in order to contribute to the country’s growth,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Flor Pablo Medina, also took part in the master class today and pointed out the importance of providing this education to children, as it helps shape our future citizens.
It is worth mentioning Lima 2019 had already visited 31 schools, as part of its campaign “Soy Lima 2019”. This campaign promoted cultural initiatives to change lifestyles and to encourage the practice of sports based on the Olympic and Paralympic values of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games and Parapan American Games.
The Peruvian Para badminton player, Pilar Jáuregui, is training hard to compete and do well at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. Pilar launched a challenge to raise awareness and make the public understand how difficult it is to move around Lima in a wheelchair.
Peru’s future sports star of the Parapan American Games launched the #PutYourselfInMyWheelchair challenge and invited the mayor of Lima, Jorge Muñoz, to experience it. The mayor accepted the Para badminton player’s challenge, who asked him to put himself in her shoes and in that of many Peruvians who face a number of difficulties when moving around the city every day.
Mayor Jorge Muñoz stated that completing this challenge was a very important experience that helps a person be more aware. In this sense, he asked district mayors and entrepreneurs to join in, in order to make Lima a friendlier, more sustainable and inclusive city for people with an impairment.
“Challenges need to be met; my word is very important to me. It is an honor to be with Pilar Jáuregui, who is a notable athlete. When she challenged me, I accepted it to raise awareness among Peruvians and commit to a more inclusive city,” he said.
The Lima 2019 ambassador was very grateful for the mayor’s commitment and called for greater accessibility in the streets, so that Lima can be more inclusive and caring city.
She reminded everyone that wheelchair users have to navigate many obstacles, because Lima, unfortunately, is not prepared. “The idea is not to rely on someone but to be able to move around the streets on our own, independently, which can be achieved with more ramps and accesses,” she said.
Pilar Jáuregui, candidate for a medal in the next Parapan American Games, stated that she is ready to compete and give it her all on the court in order to reach the podium.
She pointed out that she is focused on not having any injuries and training very hard because, for her, it will be an honor to represent Peru in these Games and feel the cheers of the fans in her own country.
She also took the opportunity to invite the public to get to know this sport and to learn about the reality of people with an impairment.
Pilar Jaúregui Cancino will represent Peru in the upcoming Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. She is one of the candidates for a medal in Para badminton, since in 2018 she was fourth in the world ranking. Additionally, she won gold medals at the Pan American and South American Championships.
Athletes from 33 countries in the Americas will compete in 17 sports at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games.