The modern athletics stadium at the National Sports Village (VIDENA) built for the Pan American and Parapan American Games in Peru greatly impressed Americans Leroy Burrell and Carl Lewis, both former Olympic medalists.

“We visited the stadium and I think it is impressive. There’s no stadium like the one you have here (in Peru). It’s something to be proud of,” said Burrell, who also expressed that the infrastructure for the Lima 2019 Games is impressive.

Lewis said about Peruvians athletes Gladys Tejeda and Christian Pacheco, gold medalists in Lima 2019 marathon competition, praised the importance and value of representing the country in competitions of this level.

Lewis and Burrell also said that gender equality must be a reality in all sense and in all sports.

Lewis said he no longer runs but that he exercises in other ways, like riding bikes. He lives in Houston in a beautiful house. “Now I’m a coach. Sometimes you want to get away from all this, but you end up coming back,” he said.

Athletics Legend

The legendary American athlete Carl Lewis, nine-times athletics Olympic champion, eight-times world champion and gold medalist at the Indianapolis 1987 Pan American Games, will attend the athletics events and will award medals for the 100 m and long jump events.

Leroy Burrell won gold at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games in 4x100 m relay and obtained similar awards in world events in 1991 and 1993. Lewis and Burrell are special guests of Panam Sports.

Athletics, swimming and table tennis fans will be able to see in action the best athletes of the Americas tomorrow, on Tuesday, August 6, in the Lima 2019 Pan American Games competitions to be held in the National Sports Village (VIDENA), in the district of San Luis.

The organization exhorts people to arrive an hour before the start of competitions to comfortably locate their seats.

The events will start with table tennis at the Sports Center 3, from 10:00 to 13:00. They will resume at 15:00 and end at 21:00. Spectators are advised to arrive by 09:00 and enter through gate N° 2 located at Av. Del Aire s/n.  

Meanwhile, swimming competitions will be held at the Aquatic Center from 11:00 to 14:15, and from 20:30 to 22:45. Spectators are advised to arrive by 10:00 and enter through gate N° 2 located at Av. Del Aire s/n.  

Athletics events will be held at the ATHLETICS STADIUM, from 14:00 to 20:00. Spectators should arrive by 13:00 and enter through gate N° 10 located at Av. Canadá s/n. However, if you wish to arrive earlier, the gate will be open from 12:30.

Recommendations

The Lima 2019 Organizing Committee gives the following recommendations for spectators:

• Arrive one hour before the time of the event.
• Infants and children must show their tickets.
• All spectators (including minors) must show their ID or similar documents.
• Do not bring your own vehicle (use public transportation).
• Do not bring pets.
• Do not bring bicycles or scooters.
• Do not bring plastic or glass bottles.
• Only packaged food with sanitary registration is allowed.

Athletics Legend

The legendary American athlete Carl Lewis, nine-times athletics Olympic champion, eight-times world champion and gold medalist at the Indianapolis 1987 Pan American Games, will attend the athletics events and will award medals for the 100 m and long jump events. He is a special Panam Sports guest.

The cold could not quiet the unceasing people's support at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center cheering for the Peruvian hockey team that faced the mighty “Los Leones” from Argentina, the current Pan American champions.

The stands were full. With waves, dancing and celebrations, the stands vibrated during the whole match. Peruvian fans chanted “como no te voy a querer” and “porque yo creo en ti”, while a giant Argentinian waved in the stands.

The match’s highest peak was when Rodrigo Díaz scored the only goal for Peruvians and the fans roared with joy.

“It was really loud, it was the greatest thing ever, and I dedicate it to my parents that have always supported me,” says Rodrigo. He added that “it must be the first time we score against Argentina, and I liked how we did it: working as a team.”

Fans has never stopped supporting the team even if results were not good. “This is the first time we play in Lima, with friends and family, and their support is what encourage us the most, it’s something that feels different,” says the Peruvian hockey player that has scored three of the four goals in the Pan American Games.

Rodrigo thinks that the infrastructure will be key to spread this sport in Peru. “Play in a stadium such as this one, with this kind of infrastructure, is a privilege that we enjoy and makes us really proud. That’s why our duty as athletes is to spread our sport,” he added.  

The Peruvian team still has two matches to play. Peru will go first against the loser from the match between Cuba and USA at 09:30.

The match lasted only 14 minutes, but it was enough to receive the warming support of the Peruvian fans at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center.  

This was the experience of Kevin Martínez, Peruvian champion on Paleta fronton for the last seven years, consecutively. “I have no words, it’s awesome. I’ve never played with so many people in my favor, I have played matches with lots of attendance, but almost 90% of it was against me and now I’m living a dream,” he stated. 

Today, he is one of the favorites to win a gold medal and he is already on his way. On his debut, on Sunday, he had already received the support of the fans and today, he beat Mexican Isaac Pérez in the Peruvian fronton competition. “It was an honor that Isaac decided to play our sport (Peruvian fronton), because he is one of the best exponents of Basque pelota and, for that reason, I appreciate he decided to experience it,” stated the national champion. 

“We've been dreaming for so many years that people know this is a Peruvian sport and they will now know we get the best results. They will want to play it, this sport will expand and that’s what we want, we want that everyone knows it,” added Kevin Martinez.   

Kevin still has two matches to play in the qualifying stage that will allow him to win the gold medal. Tomorrow, he will play against Salvador Espinoza from United States and on August 7, against Guillermo Osorio from Argentina, both matches start at noon at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center. 

“The level is very even, that’s why I know I must play five finals to get to the podium. I have to win and mark the difference,” stated Kevin, who also mentioned that these triumphs are dedicated to Peru. 

The Lima 2019 Pan American Games has opened a wide horizon for the unprecedented development of a multi-sports culture in Peru. Table tennis is a sport that, in this edition of the Pan American Games, brings together 18 countries and 84 athletes who will compete to reach the podium and take the gold to their respective countries.

The coach of the Peruvian table tennis women's team, Reiner Baster Guerra, encouraged new generations to practice this demanding sport. By doing so, they will have the opportunity to be part of the Peruvian team and represent their country in the most prestigious international competitions.

“Table tennis is a sport that allows youth to develop their psychomotricity and display athletic abilities that could remain hidden unless they are exploited in time. For this reason, I encourage young people to join the training sessions from the Peruvian Table Tennis Federation,” he said.

He also stated that new generations are the future of this sport in Peru. “We want to compete with a team full of new promises, a team that could represent the country in the next international competitions,” he eagerly noted.

On the other hand, Peruvian tennis player Ángela Mori, who competed against Mexican Yadira Silva on the first day of the single table tennis event, explained that for optimal performance on the field, the unconditional support of the fans is indispensable.

“I'm very excited to see so many people supporting us in the competitions. It allows you to draw strength to keep going, which is not usual, because when we go to the competitions we're accompanied only by our families, but seeing the stands full of people, you feel proud to represent Peru," expressed the athlete loaded with excitement.

Photo Gallery (click here)

After the Peruvian victories that came in waves, one after the other, the Punta Rocas High-Performance Surfing Center (CAR)—where the competitions of the Pan American Games took place—will remain as a permanent legacy, becoming a worldwide center of attraction for surf.

In addition to the gold, silver and bronze medals obtained during yesterday's historic competitions, this center, whose areas have all been designed to face the sea, will remain as part of the Lima 2019 impressive infrastructure legacy. The center will include various training and recreation areas, and a permanent grandstand with fixed seats for 700 people. It is one of the few surfing centers that is in front of the ocean, right where the shoal that creates the waves that athletes try to dominate with their boards is located.

The judges' tower, used during the competitions, consists of three levels, which were used by the athletes, broadcast, judges, and the Games Family. However, this zone could be used in the future to give sustainability to the CAR, through its concession to restaurants, ice-cream parlors, coffee shops, etc.

This center was designed so that people from all the surrounding districts could enjoy a free access boardwalk, which unifies Punta Negra, Punta Hermosa and San Bartolo, and will end in a large public plaza. 

On the wall of this "boardwalk of fame", the footprints of our most outstanding athletes will be placed, because in addition to the Pan American medals, Peru has 11 world titles, which makes it a great power of surf. This boardwalk leads to the Plaza del Tablista, where food fairs, street theater, among other activities can be held on weekends.

 HIGH-PERFORMANCE CENTER

However, the area that will resume its construction on Wednesday (a large long-term project that was not part of the infrastructure needed for the Lima 2019 competitions) will include a state-of-the-art gym; a 5-meter-deep semi-Olympic pool, designed exclusively for apnea (underwater resistance); a skateboarding ramp, designed for surfers with cement waves to simulate surfing movements with the skate; and 36 rooms for lodging, where athletes from other provinces will be able to stay. 

In addition, this area includes a warehouse for boards and wet suits; a sand court for sports such as volleyball, football and beach rugby; as well as offices for the technical staff, administrative staff, and a medical center that can be used for sports medicine research.

The essential users of this CAR are the members of the Peruvian surfing team, but any citizen who wants to enjoy these areas will be able to access them. It should be mentioned that, as in any Lima 2019 venues, all the areas are accessible.

Photo Gallery (click here)

To the rhythm of batucada, a group of young students entertained the Culturaymi attendees by performing Peruvian songs to support the athletes who obtained great triumphs at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.

The members of this joyful musical group, called “La Jauría Gris”, are university students. All of them are part of the Faculty of Humanities of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP).

The performances were the delight of the hundreds of attendees who sang, applauded, cheered and danced to the catchy rhythms of drums, trumpets, timbales and other musical instruments.

Band member Alejandro Chávez mentioned that, on this occasion, they participated in the show at Parque de la Exposición, invited by UNICEF, which also prepared a musical for children.

He explained that their musical creations were adapted to Peruvian themes, as well as well-known sports clubs’ songs, so they are always rehearsing

"We’re very happy to be part of these Games, it’s an unforgettable experience for us, we all must encourage our athletes in good times and bad, because Peruvians are like that, unconditional," he said.

On August 7 and 10, at the Costa Verde beach circuit, the 91 best cyclists—both men and women—of the Americas will compete in time trial and individual road race events, and they will set their strategies, speed, and endurance in motion during this extreme sport.

In both events, people will be able to cheer on the athletes throughout the route from San Miguel district to Chorrillos district, as well as to see world-class athletes. Among them are the Rio 2016 silver medal winner in pursuit, Chloe Dygert, and the 2018 Individual Road Cycling Pan American champion, Cuban Arlenis Sierra.

The Peruvian team will be composed by 11 athletes who will compete in both events.

Time Trial Event

On Wednesday, August 7 starting at 09:00, 20 women will begin the Time trial event, a mass start road race which has as starting and finishing point the Costa Verde San Miguel venue. Athletes will start by the ascent of Av. Bertolotto, then they will continue to Los Pavos beach in the Barranco district, and after that, they will make a U-turn and return to the Costa Verde venue.

The competition route includes the San Miguel, Magdalena, San Isidro, Miraflores and Barranco districts.

Two and a half hours later, at 11:30, the 21 men athletes will begin this event in the same route as the women's competition. In the case of women, they will cover a total of 18.5 km and, in the men's category, they will pedal 37 km, making two laps of the circuit.

Street Closure Plan

For the development of this competition, the Costa Verde beach circuit will be closed for vehicles from 22:01 on August 6 to 22:00 on August 7, from the access to Av. Universitaria to the access to Av. Huaylas and all the corresponding accesses in between. Meanwhile, the section located between Av. Brazil and Av. Huaylas. will be open on August 7 starting at 15:00.

Individual Road Race

The individual road race event will be held on Saturday, August 10. The women’s competition will start at 09:00 and will count on the participation of 33 athletes who will complete six laps (79.8 km) to the circuit. The starting and finish line will be at the Costa Verde venue in San Miguel, the route will then continue to Pampilla beach in Miraflores district, where they will make a U-turn to return to the San Martín ascent (San Isidro, by the LUM museum) to continue to Av. El Ejército, where they have to make another  U-turn and return to the beach circuit until they reach the finish line.

This competition is a mass start road race, where the first cyclist to cross the finish line wins. At 13:00, four hours later, the competition of 44 male athletes will start, they will complete 13 laps (172.9 km) in the same circuit.

Street Closure Plan

For this competition, the Costa Verde beach circuit will be closed for vehicles from 22:01 on August 9 to 24:00 on August 10, from the access to Av. Universitaria to the access to Av. Huaylas and all the corresponding accesses in between. 

Additionally, Av. El Ejército will be closed, from Av. Coronel Portillo to the “Manuel Bonilla” Sports Center. Meanwhile, the section located between Av. Brazil and Av. Huaylas will be open on August 10 starting at 18:30.

Route Reconnaissance

The Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee and the Peruvian National Police - PNP, inform that the Route Reconnaissance will be held on Tuesday, August 06. Therefore, the Costa Verde beach circuit will be closed for vehicles from 09:00 to 14:00. The closing zone will be from the access to Av. Universitaria to the access to Av. Huaylas and all the accesses in between. Likewise, Av. El Ejército will be closed, from Av. Coronel Portillo to the “Manuel Bonilla” Sports Center.

They came from so far to represent her mother's country. Ana and Elisa López, who are from Spain, were asked to be part of the Peruvian water polo team and they accepted it. 

“I’m proud of representing Peru. I don't live here, but it’s my mother’s country. She was so excited to know that we were coming to Peru,” said Elisa.

The tournament’s level is very high, and playing against the Canadian or Brazilian teams is an honor for them. “Competing against big teams help us improve as athletes,” said Ana. Both of them play in the 5ta División de Honor de Waterpolo.

Meanwhile, Elisa also mentioned that “ being part of the Pan American Games is important because they feature the best countries in the Americas, and I’d never participated in such a major tournament.”

Although they did not obtain a good result, Elisa had the opportunity to score one of the two goals against Canada. “We always try to score a goal. That’s an incentive for us, and we fight for it on the field.”

The average age of the Peruvian water polo team members is one of the lowest in the tournament. The girls’ age does not exceed 20 years old. “The difference on the field when compared to other teams is obvious, but I’m sure that with the proper support this group will grow a lot and will bring many victories,” said Ana.

The López sisters said goodbye with a sensation of happiness to see how Peruvian fans supported them at all times, even if the result was not good. Her family came from Trujillo and Puno to see them in action during the match. “We leave happy because of all the love and affection we received. Even though we were losing, Peruvians were always rooting for us, and that’s something we appreciate very much,” added Elisa.

On Tuesday, Peru will end its participation against Cuba at 09:30 in Group A. To cheer up on Peruvian team, buy your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets and go to the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center.