The Parapan American Games are in their final stage and this long weekend, which starts on August 29, will be the best chance to enjoy the last days of the event that has left a permanent mark in Peru’s sports history.

The experience of watching the competitions will, of course, be a win-win: our Para athletes will have the warm support of the public, while the public will be filled with motivation and pride when they see them triumph.

Guide for the Long Weekend

There are several Para sports that you can experience as a family, inside the impressive competition venues that, after the Games, will remain as a legacy for all Peruvians.

The competitions include the women’s wheelchair basketball semifinals, which will take place tomorrow with Canada versus Brazil and USA versus Argentina, in Sports Center 1 of VIDENA, starting at 18:30.

The boccia competition will take place during the morning session in the Villa El Salvador Sports Center, between 09:00 and 15:00. The Peruvian team will be competing thanks to Dean Tierry Acosta, Carlos Cano, María Cecilia Pancca and Javier Soto.

Boccia—an adaptation of the ancient Italian game ‘bocce’, played since the times of the Roman Empire—is just as much a sports event as it is a cultural one. Take part in these competitions from Thursday, August 29, to Sunday, September 1.

During the weekend, a good option is to cheer on Peruvian representative and flagbearer, Angélica Espinoza, in Para taekwondo (Miguel Grau Coliseum, Callao). The women’s and men’s competition, as well as the qualifiers, will take place this Friday and Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. The medals will be decided on Friday and Saturday, starting at 15:00 until 20:00.

Another interesting option is wheelchair tennis. The defining matches will be contested starting tomorrow at Club Lawn Tennis de la Exposición, with the participation of the best tennis players in the world, such as Argentinian Gustavo Fernández. The winners will be decided between tomorrow and Friday, the final day of this Para sport.

Peruvian Support

Other Peruvians who need our support are Dunia Felices, Rodrigo Santillán and Harrison Linares, who will compete in Para swimming (VIDENA) until August 31, as well as the well-known and beloved Lima 2019 ambassadors, Pedro Pablo Vinatea and Pilar Jáuregui, who will compete in Para badminton (VIDENA) and will fight for the gold from August 29 to September 1. The competitions will take place in Sports Center 3 of VIDENA, with a good chance that our Para athletes will make it to the podium.

Another good option is goalball (Miguel Grau Coliseum, Callao), the only sport created specifically for people with a visual impairment. Support our fellow Peruvians until Saturday during two daily sessions (10:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 20:00). The ranking will be determined in the men’s semifinals, starting tomorrow.

Buy Your Tickets

Tickets for Lima 2019 Parapan American Games competitions can be purchased at the points of sale located in the Jockey Plaza shopping center in Santiago de Surco and Metro and Wong supermarkets in the districts of Chorrillos, Independencia, La Molina, Lima, Miraflores, San Borja, San Isidro, San Juan de Miraflores, San Miguel and Surco. 

You can also get your tickets on the Lima 2019 website www.lima2019.pe or Teleticket website https://teleticket.com.pe/lima2019.

Tickets start at PEN 10 and there will be a 50% discount for people under the age of 18 and over the age of 60, as well as people with an impairment.

Additionally, if you live in one of the districts where a Lima 2019 Parapan American Games sports venue is located, you can purchase general tickets for the various competitions for only PEN 5.

All you have to do is show your DNI at the ticket booths of the venues in Callao, Villa El Salvador, Villa María del Triunfo, San Luis, San Miguel, Santiago de Surco and Jesús María.

Four years ago, she left her name engraved in the history of Argentinian sport. That time, at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the Para athlete Yanina Martínez won the 100 m event (class T36 for people with cerebral palsy). That gold medal placed Argentina at the top of the podium, after two decades of absence. Her impairment never limited her and now she proudly carries the Argentinian flag. 

Nevertheless, the challenges still continue for her and Lima 2019 is the first step to repeat her Paralympic achievement in Tokyo 2020. This afternoon, with tears in her eyes, she celebrated her two gold medals in the 100 and 200 m events, repeating what she achieved in Toronto 2015. But that is not all, if she makes it to the final of the 4x100 relay tonight, she could reach an historic third gold medal at the Games. 

“Yanina really wanted to be in Lima 2019, because she considers it a very beautiful event and, for that reason, she prepared with effort, showing an extraordinary love for athletics. There have been many years of hard work, which has been giving achievements since Guadalajara 2011 and we are very happy,” said her coach Martín Arroyo. 

Since the age of 11, Arroyo has been training the Argentinian Olympic champion as part of a physical education program. He encouraged her to practice sports, playing with balls and running short distances. As the years went by, he was surprised by her dedication until she became a top athlete in 2010. They both spend a lot of time together, since they work double shifts, which generated a family connection. 

Yanina is grateful for the good treatment of Peruvians. She really enjoys the food and the good atmosphere with her teammates in the Parapan American Village. “Lima 2019 will remain in my heart. I am very happy with the two gold medals and I want to dedicate them to my mom and my coach because I love them very much,” said the champion. 

CHEER ON THEM FROM THE GRANDSTANDS 

If you want to see these wonderful athletes, tomorrow is the last day starting at 15:00. Buy your tickets starting at PEN 10. There will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. You can buy tickets in the ticket offices at VIDENA and in the 11 authorized points of sale throughout the city. 

Tickets can also be purchased online at lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the detailed competition schedule. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue. 

Gustavo Fernández’s dreams were always related to tennis, even from a very young age in his hometown Río Tercero (Córdoba). At age 6, when he barely understood that a spinal stroke caused him to be paralyzed from the waist down, he did not hesitate to challenge able-bodied players while in his wheelchair. He was not doing well, but adversity forged his competitive character. 

Today, at age 25, he is considered the best wheelchair tennis player in the world. He arrived at Lima 2019 to claim his fourth consecutive gold and qualify for Tokyo 2020. In fact, “Gusti” is having his best season in the world circuit after consecutively winning the Grand Slam tournaments Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. 

“This has been an unforgettable year. I’m enjoying the moment but also pushing myself to keep winning more tournaments. Living my passion for tennis makes me very happy. I was lucky I found people who is by my side in this challenging circuit and keep me determined,” said “Gusti” Fernández in an interview for Lima 2019. 

This morning, the current Parapan American champion made it to the individual semifinals, after defeating Brazilian Gustavo Carneiro 6-0 at the Club Lawn Tennis de la Exposición. This Wednesday, he will compete to qualify for the finals. 

“Winning gold at the Paralympic Games has always been one of my biggest dreams, and Lima 2019 is a step closer to achieve it. I will keep doing my best to take home more medals. Being recognized as just another tennis player is something that already makes me proud, and that's invaluable,” said Fernández. 

BUY YOUR TICKETS 

To see this outstanding wheelchair tennis player in action, get your tickets with prices starting at PEN 10. There will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Tickets are available only in the ticket booths located off of the main entrance at Lawn Tennis (Av. 28 de julio) and in the 11 Teleticket points of sale. 

Tickets can be also purchased online through lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the detailed competition schedules. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue. 

Photo Gallery (click here)

Goalball competitions opened with a hard-fought South American classic match between Argentinian and Brazilian men’s teams for the qualifying round of Group A.

This version of the “classic match of the Atlantic” dazzled the spectators who gathered at the Miguel Grau Coliseum in Callao. In this regard, people on the grandstands tirelessly cheered on the Para athletes, who despite they were wearing eyeshades, showcased precision both in attacking and defensive move.

The score was favorable to the “carioca” team after thrashing Argentina 9-2. The Brazilians entered the field determined to win, and they winded up the match in the first half. However, their opponent managed to score two goals in the second half.

The scorer of the match was the Brazilian Josemarcio Sousa, with 4 goals; however, his teammate Leomon Moreno Da Silva stood out for being a key solid defender against the Argentinian team.

Moreno Da Silva, who has been named the world’s greatest goalball player, expressed his gratitude to Lima 2019 for offering a suitable infrastructure to practice this Para sport, as well as for contributing to its promotion and positioning at a continental level.
 

“I am very happy to be able to recognize that in Peru they have made every effort to host a Para sports event that exceeds our expectations, not only for the venues, but also for the hospitality and cheers of the people. That fills me with emotion, and enable my professional and moral growth,” he said effusively.

On the other hand, the goalball player Fernando Rodríguez, who scored the goal for the Argentinian team, pointed out that, due to the ovation and cheers from the Lima fans, he felt as if they were playing as a home team.

“The support of the crowd was amazing and unforgettable; it will remain engraved on my heart. Those words of encouragement that go beyond nationality make us stronger as Para athletes,” he concluded with enthusiasm.

This is how the men’s goalball opening competitions took place, with a great South American classic match, in an atmosphere of brotherhood, where the fans in Lima claim the slogan Let’s All Play!

The Sports Center 2 of the National Sports Village vibrated with excitement in the opening of the judo competitions for people with a visual impairment.

The sport venue was packed with fans that from rooted for their favorite teams from start to finish in this intense combat. This Para sport started at 09:00 and carried on until 14:00.

The cheers of the spectators of Lima on the foreign judokas were loud at all times. The effervescence, which would erupt from the stands, was at a par with the strength all Para athletes showed on the tatami, while putting on brave martial movements.

Some of the most exciting moments of the day took place during the semifinals by noon. In this context, Henry Borges gave a great performance. He defeated the Venezuelan Marco Blanco, by accumulated penalties, after immobilizing his opponents in the elimination rounds.

Therefore, the Uruguayan claimed the gold medal in the men’s 60 kg category, taking the first medal for Uruguay.

With that same courage, the Cuban Yordani Fernández fought against the Brazilian Antonio Tenorio and moved to the finals. Then, he took the gold home in a titanic final against the American Benjamin Goodrich, claiming the crown in the B3 category.

The last award of the day in this tough discipline was disputed by the Puerto Rican Luis Pérez and the Argentine Eduardo Gauto in the 66 kg B1 category. The Argentine was the absolute winner of the combat as he scored an ippon that finished off his opponent.

This way, the first session of judo for people with a visual impairment ended on a high note, filled with splendid martial performances. All participating Para athletes are giving it their all hoping to reach a spot on the Parapan American Games podium.

Photo Gallery (click here)

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.

TOP CONTENDERS

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 best wheelchair tennis player in the world will be present at Lima 2019. Gustavo “Gusti” Fernández will carry the flag of the Argentinian delegation that will participate in the Parapan American Games, scheduled to start on August 23. The wheelchair tennis player will arrive in Peru as the singles world number one. 

Fernández is the star of the Argentinian delegation, as he has claimed three Grand Slam titles this year: the Australia Open, the Roland-Garros in France, and the Wimbledon in England. Therefore, he was chosen as the flag-bearer of his country. “Gusti” will come to Lima to compete for his third consecutive gold medal at the Parapan American Games, after winning at Guadalajara 2011 and Toronto 2015. 

The President of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, handed the Argentinian flag to Fernández. During the handover, the wheelchair tennis player was accompanied by Silvio Velo, top scorer of the football 5-a-side team, known as “Los Muerciélagos”, that features athletes with a visual impairment. Velo is considered one of the best football players in his category worldwide.  

Argentina has entered 223 Para athletes for Lima 2019. Its delegation for this Parapan American Games is the largest one in the history of this country. They will participate in 15 Para sports: Para athletics (49), Para badminton (1), women’s and men’s wheelchair basketball (24), boccia (15), goalball (6), football 5-a-side and 7-a-side (24), judo (9), Para swimming (37), Para cycling (17), Para powerlifting (4), wheelchair rugby (12), Para taekwondo (3), wheelchair tennis (4), Para table tennis (14), and shooting Para sport (3). 

Argentina ranked 7th at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, with 18 gold, 25 silver and 24 bronze medals. 

The Lima 2019 wheelchair tennis competitions will be held at the Club Lawn Tennis de la Exposición, in the district of Jesús María, from August 24 to 30. 

LIMA 2019 TICKET SALES  

Ticket sales are already open, and the ticket prices to attend the competitions and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Parapan American Games start at PEN 10.00. There will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment.  

Tickets can be bought in 11 authorized points of sale around the city. Learn more about their location: 

Tickets can be also purchased online through www.lima2019.pe, where you will also find the Sports Calendar with detailed competition schedules. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue. 

Gustavo Fernández represents perseverance in sport, not only for those who saw him grow up in the Argentinian city of Río Tercero, province of Córdoba, but also for those who applaud his skills as a wheelchair tennis player. 

In 2017, in Córdoba, he obtained the highest award in an integrated awards ceremony with athletes without an impairment and was applauded by David Nalbandián, a great tennis player native of this area.  Fernández will shine with his own light at the Lawn Tennis de la Exposición Club starting on August 24. To watch the best Para athletes, buy your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets or at the authorized points of sale. 

“What we see in this discipline means progress in society to value athletes as they are. It is a loving caress for the soul. I don’t even realize how many hours I train every day, but you don’t have to complain about the effort if you love what you do. Don't ever avoid sacrifice,” said Fernandez, at the medal ceremony. 

He will come to Lima 2019 to defend his title of two-time Parapan American champion. He won two gold medals in men’s singles and doubles at Toronto 2015, added to his gold medal in singles at Guadalajara 2011. The current number one of the ITF ranking (International Tennis Federation) has won 23 medals. 

If that were not enough, Fernández has won the last three Grand Slams (ITF great events): the Australian Open, Roland-Garros and Wimbledon. He added these big titles to the ones he won in 2016 (Roland-Garros) and 2017 (Australian Open).  

There are still major challenges for 25-year-old Fernández, such as the gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Games. In Lima, he will give his best and seek his qualification to the next year’s Paralympic Games. If he managed to overcome the spinal cord stroke that left him unable to move his legs, when he was only a year and a half old, then he must able to reach the top of the sports world. He is a champion in life. 

ABOUT LIMA 2019 

The Parapan American Games will gather 1890 Para athletes from 33 countries, participating in 17 sports and 18 disciplines. Competitions will take place from August 23 to September 1, 2019. Additionally, 13 Para sports will be qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. 

Wheelchair tennis events will take place from August 24 to 30, at Lawn Tennis de la Exposición Club courts. The competitions will be held in men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and quad singles and doubles, a category adapted for wheelchair tennis athletes with quadriplegia.