Our Para athletes, who made us proud with their brilliant participation in the Lima 2019 Games, continue receiving recognitions. This time, the Peruvian Congress awarded diplomas to 15 medalist Para athletes that made the country proud.  

The Social Inclusion and People with Impairments Committee chaired by the Congresswoman Marisol Espinoza organized this tribute ceremony for Para athletes at the Raúl Porras Barnechea room. The President of Lima 2019 Organizing Committee Carlos Neuhaus and the Head of the National Paralympic Association of Peru Lucha Villar attended the ceremony. 

The President of the Congress Pedro Olaechea attended this ceremony and congratulated the Para athletes for the medals won at the Lima 2019 Games. The congresswoman Ana Choquehuanca and Alberto Quintanilla also attended this ceremony.  Carlos Neuhaus, Lucha Villar, athletes’ guides and coaches were also awarded. 

Carlos Neuhaus highlighted the effort of Para athletes and the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee. “You were my favorites [Para athletes]. We wanted to surpass the Pan American Games and that’s why we wanted to make these the best Games ever and we did it. I was deeply touched watching you compete, we worked so hard for it. Of course, I’m going to miss you athletes.”  

“It was almost three intense years, working really hard to a State commitment. We couldn’t fail Peru. Thank you all, we beat all records. These Games will mark a “before and after” for sport. It’s a nice legacy we’re leaving for the city. You showed that you are capable of many things. It’s a great joy to see you being recognized.  I was happy to work and celebrate your success.  Everything was very exciting, that’s why I tried to be there for your victories,” said Carlos Neuhaus.

Meanwhile, Lucha Villar highlighted the recognition of the Congress and the Inclusion Committee. She also thanked the tribute to coaches and guides who supported Para athletes in achieving their goals. “The Games will allow us to apply the sports values in our society, with Lima 2019 as a starting point,” said the head of ANPP.  

The diplomas signed by the President of the Congress and the Head of the Social Inclusion and People with Impairments Committee, were granted to: Pilar Jáuregui (Para badminton, WH2), Angélica Espinoza (Para taekwondo, K44 - 49 kg), Pedro Pablo de Vinatea (Para badminton, SL3), Rosbil Guillén (Para athletics, 1500 m T11) and Israel Hilario (Para road cycling, men’s time trial C1-2). 

Likewise, these diplomas were granted to the Para athletes who won silver medals: Luis Sandoval (Para athletics, 5000 m T11), Carlos Felipa (Para athletics, shot put F63) and Jorge Arcela (shooting Para sport, Mix. 10m air rifle prone SH1). The Para athletes, winners of the bronze medals, received the same award: Noemí Vásquez (Para powerlifting, -50 kg), Efraín Sotacuro (Para athletics, 1500 m T46), Héctor Salvá (Para badminton, SS63), Rodrigo Santillán (Para swimming, men’s 100 m backstroke S2 (S1)), William Fernández (Para taekwondo, K44 -61kg), Fred Villalobos (judo -81 kg) and Dunia Felices (Para swimming, 50 m butterfly S5 (S1-S4)). 

Ferdinand Cereceda and Carlos Gálvez, Rosbil Guillén guide-runners; Juvenal Huiza and Jhon Cusi, Luis Sandoval guide-runners were also awarded, as well as, the coaches: Michael Echevarría, Sunil Serna, Neolanis Suárez, Pedro Manrique, Rodrigo Aranguena, Fernando Cuadros, Derly Delgado and Ivonne de la Cruz, Iván Reyes. 

ABOUT LIMA 2019 GAMES 

This is the first time that Peru will organize the most important multi-sports event of the Americas and the most significant sporting event in the world after the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Over 6600 athletes of all the continent participated in 39 sports and 61 disciplines, during 17 days between July 26 and August 11, at the Pan American Games.  A total of 21 competitions were qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

At the Parapan American Games, about 1800 Para athletes of 30 countries participated in 17 sports and 18 disciplines.  The Peruvian delegation participated with 139 Para athletes, in 16 of 17 sports. Competitions took place in 14 venues from August 23 to September 1. The Parapan American Games granted quota places in 13 Para sports for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

In connection with the Lima 2019 segregated lane, the Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee announces that: 

1. The Organizing Committee sincerely thanks citizenship for respecting the segregated lane to transport the delegations that participated in the Games. This way, they arrived on time for their training and competitions. Once more, Peruvians showed that we are good hosts. 

2. The Lima 2019 transport system transferred more than 20,000 people in over 4000 daily rides during the Pan American Games and over 2000 people during the Parapan American Games. 

3. By means of Resolution No. 6303 issued by the Urban Development Management Office of the Municipality of Lima, the authorization to use the lanes for the transport operations of the Lima 2019 Games was valid until September 3, date of departure of the last group of Para athletes to their countries of origin.  

4. At the request of the Municipality of Lima, from that day on, the lane was available for the actions that authorities may consider appropriate.  

5. Today, Lima 2019 is assisting the National Police of Peru in immediately withdrawing the elements used to separate the exclusive lane. These will be available so that authorities may use them later.  
    
   Lima, September 5, 2019 
    
   LIMA 2019 PAN AMERICAN AND PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES ORGANIZING COMMITTEE 

Lima 2019 will be the fondest memory for the Para athletes who, thanks to the Parapan American Games, were recognized by a country that valued their efforts to bring joy to all Peruvians. This morning, the 15 Para athletes who had the honor of winning a medal received well-deserved recognition. 

The Government Palace opened its doors so that President Martín Vizcarra could award a distinction to the Para athletes, in the rank of “Comendador,” under Supreme Resolution No. 141-2019-RE. This decoration was awarded to the gold medalists: Pilar Jáuregui (Para badminton, WH2), Angélica Espinoza (Para taekwondo, K44 -49 kg), Pedro Pablo de Vinatea (Para badminton, SL3), Rosbil Guillén (Para athletics, 1500 m T11) and Israel Hilario (Para cycling road, men’s time trial C1-2). 

The Para athletes who obtained a silver medal were also awarded this decoration: Luis Sandoval (Para athletics, 5000 m T11), Carlos Felipa (Para athletics, shot put F63) and Jorge Arcela (shooting Para sport, mixed 10 m air rifle prone SH1). The same distinction was awarded to the bronze medalists: Noemí Vásquez (Para powerlifting, -50 kg), Efraín Sotacuro (Para athletics, 1500 m T46), Héctor Salvá (Para badminton, SS63), Rodrigo Santillán (Para swimming, men’s 100 m backstroke S2 (S1)), William Fernández (Para taekwondo, K44 -61kg), Fred Villalobos (Judo -81 kg) and Dunia Felices (Para swimming, women’s 50 m butterfly S5 (S1-S4)). Peru obtained five gold, three silver and seven bronze medals at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games.  

On behalf of the Para athletes, Pedro Pablo de Vinatea gave thanks for the support they received to achieve good results. “On behalf of all athletes and Para athletes, I want to thank the generous support of the Peruvian Government. These medals will remain in our hearts. We’re proud to inspire our fellow Peruvians. Now they recognize and congratulate us. We’re respected and admired. They now see us as highly competitive athletes. We were able to put on a great show and we’re Peruvian winners. From now on there’s no turning back. We’ve made the whole country proud. And we want the Government to continue support Para sports. On behalf of all sports, thank you very much, Mr. President,” said a moved De Vinatea during his speech. 

The Para athletes and the president of the National Paralympic Association of Peru, Lucha Villar, gave President Martín Vizcarra replicas of the Lima 2019 medals and the Peruvian delegation’s jacket as a thank you. 

The President of Peru Martín Vizcarra said that the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games have shown that things can be done well and objectives set can be achieved.

“These Games have shown that we are capable of developing top-level infrastructure that allows us to organize all kind of events related to sports, or not. If we set high goals, we will have the technical and administrative capacity to achieve them,” he emphasized.

The Head of State gave these statements during the recognition ceremony of 15 Para athletes that reached gold, silver and bronze medals at the Parapan American Games. The Lima 2019 Organizing Committee President Carlos Neuhaus and the Lima 2019 Secretary General Amalia Moreno were also awarded.

The Foreign Affairs Minister of Peru, Néstor Popolizio, and other officials, accompanied by the Prime Minister Salvador del Solar, also attended this ceremony, where President Vizcarra praised the “significant savings” of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee and new infrastructure that will continue over time.

“During sports competitions, we rose to the occasion and surpassed the results of Peruvian athletes and Para athletes in all previous events, showing that, with effort and perseverance, we can achieve whatever we set out to do,” he said.

He also recalled that the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee was a challenge that raised “doubts, skepticism and even opposition,” but he stressed that this project was taken forward with dedication.

“We have shown that when we set big goals and objectives, no matter how big and difficult they are, we can achieve them if we work together,” he said.

During the recognition ceremony of Para athletes that reached medals, which was held at the Government Palace, he emphasized that all Peruvians are proud of what has been demonstrated during the most important multi-sports event of the Americas. 

The President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee Carlos Neuhaus received a decoration this morning, for organizing, as said by the most renowned sport organizations, Panam Sports and the Americas Paralympic Committee, the best Pan American and Parapan American Games in history.

President Martín Vizcarra decorated Carlos Neuhaus with the Grand Cross mention for distinguished services for his outstanding, prominent, clear and efficient role in the economic and human resources as the leader of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games.

Additionally, the Peruvian President decorated Lima 2019 Secretary General Amalia Moreno with the Grand Officer rank for distinguished services.

The excellent organization of both continental multi-sports events was highlighted in the Supreme Resolution No. 142-2019-RE. Also, it recognized the work led by Carlos Neuhaus Tudela and highlighted the cross-sectoral management led by the Special Project for the Preparation and Development of the Lima 2019 XVIII Pan American Games and Sixth Parapan American Games.

“Thank you champions, because you’re a great source of inspiration for my team and for all of us. Thanks to a group of Peruvians who gathered to organize these Games so they would be delivered in the best conditions. And provide the Pan American and Parapan American athletes the best Games possible. This has been motivating,” he stressed after receiving the award.

​BEST JOB OF MY LIFE

“Personally, this has been the best job of my life and, maybe, for many people of my team too,” said the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee President really excited. 

“This award is not for me, but for all of us, those who have worked hard to deliver these Games, as well as for the citizens and for all those who have cooperated with us, because our motto was “Let’s all play.” Thanks to the volunteers who did an excellent job. Thanks to all athletes who were the main reason for all these efforts,” he added.

These decorations were part of the recognition ceremony held by the Executive for the 15 Peruvian Para athletes who won the gold, silver and bronze medals at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games.

ABOUT THE LIMA 2019 GAMES

This was the first time that Peru organized the biggest multidisciplinary sporting event of the Americas and the most significant sporting event in the world after the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

More than 6600 athletes from all over the Americas participated in 39 sports and 61 disciplines during 17 days of competition at the Pan American Games, between July 26 and August 11. A total of 21 competitions were qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The Parapan American Games gathered around 1800 Para athletes from 30 countries, competing in 17 sports and 18 disciplines. The Peruvian delegation participated with 139 Para athletes in 16 of 17 sports. Competitions took place in 14 venues from August 22 to September 1. The Parapan American Games awarded quota places in 13 Para sports for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

The Main Operations Center (MOC) was the control center of Lima 2019, in which the simultaneous operation of up to 60 competition, training and non-competition venues were monitored to guarantee the successful development of the best Pan American and Parapan American Games ever held.   
 
“The success of these Games would not have been possible if the city’s operations had not been integrated into this control center. This is the first time in the history of Peru, particularly in Lima, that we have an integrated system between the district municipalities, the Peruvian National Police, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other ministries that have been involved participating every day in the minute-by-minute operation,” said Alberto Valenzuela, Lima 2019 Games Operations manager.

​“About 60 venues throughout the city, from Lunahuaná in the south to the Albufera de Medio Mundo in Huacho, have been coordinated, led and managed—at the same time—through this control center of the Games operations,” he said. 
 
He also said that the MOC is the largest and longest-lasting control center in the country’s history, from which the great Lima 2019 logistics were implemented. It involved transportation of athletes, officials and Games Family members, among other clients, and reached more than 4000 daily trips with over 1200 vehicles. 
 
“This control center has successfully coordinated transportation operations, security, comprehensive operations of sports and non-sports venues, competitions, meals for delegations, efficient management of solid waste, temporary facilities, among others. This has been the backbone for the real-time management and immediate solution of any event that arose in any of the 60 venues that operated simultaneously during the Games,” he emphasized. 
 
The MOC Director, César Linares, indicated that about 900 incidents were solved—a record figure that reflects the proactivity and efficiency with which they have worked in these Games—involving between 70 and 100 people, depending on the characteristics of each event. 
 
Finally, the PNP Major and MOC Liaison Officer, José Cuya, said that prevention operations were carried out before and during these Pan American and Parapan American Games to avoid any contingency and reduce the likelihood of any illegal event. 

The number of spectators at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games ceremonies and competitions was 170,341, according to the last report delivered by the Lima 2019 Ticketing Department. This is a record figure in the entire history of this multi-sports event. 

This number marks a milestone in the history of the Games, as stated by the President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee (COPAL), Carlos Neuhaus, during his speech at the closing ceremony. “This figure is higher than at all the previous Parapan American Games,” he stressed.  

As in the Pan American Games, there was massive attendance to cheer on the Para athletes. Happiness, excitement and a lot of emotion were experienced in each competition. Peruvian Para athletes knew that they had the unconditional support of the spectators and the fanbases. The “world's best fanbase” rose to the occasion. 

It should be noted that Lima 2019, among other achievements, has been recognized as the best organized continental multi-sports competition in history, as well as the event with the most accessible transportation system in the Americas. Now, this edition has become the one with the largest audience in the history of the Parapan American Games. 

This record number shows Peruvians' interest in learning more about Para sports, as well as the great charisma of the Americas' Para athletes and their admirable effort to fulfill their dreams.  

Without a doubt, the Lima 2019 Pan American Games and Parapan American Games have left an indelible mark in the memory and hearts of the people of the Americas. 

Dishes such as ají de gallina and lomo saltado were loved by the athletes, who arrived from all over the Americas.

All Peruvians showed that we are prepared to face significant challenges and achieve them. The organization and execution of the Pan American and Parapan American Games were a success. This is why they have been considered the best Games in history.

The Games will remain as a lasting memory both for Peruvians, as it was the first time this event had been held in Peru, and for the athletes, who received top-quality service and will take home the best memories. Since Peru is a gastronomic destination, food was going to be one of the main attractions for the athletes. And, indeed, they got the best impression of what the country had to offer.

More than 700,000 meals were served at the Village during Lima 2019: 600,000 at the Pan American Games and 100,000 at the Parapan American Games.

The dining hall, located at the Parapan American Village, welcomed around 3200 people, between Para athletes and technical officials. As for the Pan American Games, over 6000 people between athletes, leaders and technical officials used the dining hall.

A buffet service was available for athletes, who showed their preference for Peruvian dishes. During the Pan American Games, the “Lima Culinary Tour” station was one of the most visited during the 17 competition days. 

Ají de gallina and lomo saltado were the athletes' favorite Peruvian dishes, especially among the Canadian, Puerto Rican, Mexican and Ecuadorian delegations. The other popular station was the “Downtown Grill”, which offered meat.

A daily 4000 pieces of pizza and around 10,000 stir-fry dishes, such as arroz chaufa, saltado de lomo, saltado de pollo and paella, were made during the Pan American Games. 

Also, 110,000 kilos of bananas, 24 tons of animal proteins (beef, chicken, pork, and fish), 12,000 liters of pasta sauce, 75,000 kilos of French fries, 30,000 liters of soup and 40,000 liters of natural fruit juice were consumed during the Pan American Games. 

Additionally, the amount of mozzarella cheese consumed at the Pan American Games equals the weight of four Volkswagen Beetles. The amount of spaghetti, placed one after the other, could cover the distance between Lima and Machu Picchu. 

ADAPTED FOR THE PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES

The dining hall had a length of one and a half football fields. It was adapted for the Parapan American Games after extending the transit areas and making the emergency gates available for better movement. The height of fruit and bread stands was lowered for better access. 

The Braille system was implemented at the entrance of each station and the information was updated daily, based on the catering program.

For the opening ceremony of this multi-sports event, Para athletes were welcomed with traditional Peruvian dishes. More than 2000 portions of ceviche and 1000 portions of papa a la huancaína were served. Overall, more than 100,000 meals were delivered during the ten competition days. 

You could tell the romance in the gaze, gestures and flirtatiousness of Marinera champions Desirée Nuñez del Prado and Javier Morales, the first wheelchair Marinera dancer in the world. Thousands of people witnessed this outstanding performance at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games Closing Ceremony held at the National Sports Village (VIDENA).

To the beat of a song composed specially for this occasion by the renowned musician Lucho Quequezana, these two dancers touched the hearts of children and adults who witnessed this thrilling dance. The movement of their handkerchiefs, dress and hat, as well as their postures and flirts, have a meaning in the love story told through this dance.   

This is how this emblematic dance, declared National Cultural Heritage, graced the closing ceremony of this major multi-sport event of the Americas held in Peru. Marinera is a dance that conveys art and national identity through its rhythm, elegance, strength, flirtatiousness and gallantry; essential aspects of this ancestral dance.

Desireé Nuñez del Prado, 22 years old, belongs to the Michelle Pimentel Academy. Her first competition was in 2010 at the Trujillo National Contest. In January 2018, she was declared world champion in the youth category. She is also Ambassador and representative of Marinera in countries such as Sweden, Italy, Switzerland and France.

For his part, 31-year-old Javier Morales started dancing Marinera at age 20. He belongs to the Corazón Norteño Academy of Chiclayo and was declared national champion of the 11th National Contest Alma Peruana - Ferreñafe. He also participated in the Marinera World Championships in the city of Trujillo this year.

They started dancing together in July 2019, when they met at a competition event in northern Peru. “We danced together a couple of times, and then he invited me to participate at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games Opening and Closing ceremonies, and I loved the idea. We performed in the pre-show of the opening ceremony and now in the closing ceremony. We’ve been practicing hard to give our best and convey all our emotions,” explained Desirée Nuñez del Prado.

“Thank you so much to all attendees for their applause and the good reception of our performance. This motivates us to continue to improve every day and aim higher,” stressed Javier Morales. This ceremony was definitely filled with Peruvian vibes.