“Cuchimilco y el Bicentenario” exhibition —showcased at the Byzantine pavilion in CULTURAYMI— aims at connecting sports values and culture through Milco, the Lima 2019 Pan American Games official mascot, and encouraging visitors’ interest in Peru’s archaeological heritage.

The activity, organized by the Bicentennial Special Project, highlights the importance of ancient Peruvian activities and the presence of Milco as a mythic pre-Hispanic character who has transcended time and space to promote sports values.

The educational exhibit includes guides who will teach us where cuchimilcos were found, the transformations they experienced over time, their religious meaning and the cosmovision of the inhabitants of the central zone of Lima. 

Children can participate in games, and adults can share their wishes for the Bicentennial of Peru’s independence. The exhibition will run until September 1 from 11:00 to 20:00 and includes guided visits. 

PAN AMERICAN FLAME  

On the other hand, the very same cauldron that traveled throughout Peru along with the torch relay caravan—covering 6,500 km for 23 days— is still lit and can be seen in Culturaymi at Parque de la Exposición. 

Visitors can witness the unyielding symbolic Pan American flame and even take pictures with it.
The colorful cauldron, which is decorated with Lima 2019 patterns, can be found next to the stage at the Flag Plaza, alongside the Bicentennial of Peru's Independence fountain. This location makes the flame even more symbolic, as the path traveled by Lima 2019 is also an essential part of Peru’s Bicentennial Celebrations.

Photo gallery (click here)

She is considered one of the most representative athletes in the history of Argentina. Her name brings memories of the glory days of her country in international hockey competitions, and it is thanks to her that the Argentinian team is currently a top contender. Luciana “Lucha” Aymar, known as the “Maradona of hockey” at her best moment, is in Peru to enjoy the competitions taking place at different venues. 

“Lucha” has been awarded as best player of the world eight times (2001, 2004, 2005, in four successive years between 2007 and 2010, and 2013). In 2008, she was named a Legend of Hockey by the International Hockey Federation. 

The importance of our visitor is so huge that, as captain of Argentina’s hockey team between 2009 and 2014, she was world champion in 2002 and 2010. Furthermore, she participated in four Olympic Games. She won silver medals at Sydney 2000 and London 2012, and bronze medals at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.  

She also won the Champions Trophy, the main hockey tournament in the world, six times: in 2001, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014. Her fame increased with the three gold medals she obtained at the Pan American Games (Winnipeg 1999, Santo Domingo 2003, and Rio 2007). 

Taking advantage of her stay in Peru, we talked to “Lucha” Aymar, who was in Villa María del Triunfo to see the match of her former teammates “Las Leonas” of Argentina that defeated Canada 3-0. The Argentinian sport legend was accompanied by her boyfriend, the former Chilean tennis player Fernando González, another important visitor. 

“THE ORGANIZATION IS REALLY GOOD” 

Luciana Aymar highlights the fact that the Pan American Games are being held in Peru and its legacy to Peruvian sports, such as the two hockey fields built in the Villa María del Triunfo venue. 

 “I spent a few days in Peru, and during those three days I could watch different sports. I think it’s good that South America can organize this type of Games and, honestly, Peru did it very well. The stadiums are wonderful, and the organization is really good,” she said. 

She stressed the importance of the legacy that will remain for the future of Peruvian sport. “The hockey field is awesome. I hope they use it a lot. Sports and the Pan American Games allow a country to strengthen a lot of aspects. Of course, they also encourage kids to get a little closer to sports. Also, they leave an amazing infrastructure,” said the athlete. 

 At the end, her former teammates, the “Leonas” of Argentina, defeated Canada by 3-0. “Lucha” went down to the hockey field to congratulate each one of them for their victory. “I hope Argentina can win the gold medal at the Pan American Games because we have a nice team,” told us the Argentinian sport legend.

Luis Scola and his teammates had already started playing at the Eduardo Dibós Coliseum; however, hundreds of people were still out in the streets lining up, between Angamos and Aviación Avenues. The two consecutive basketball matches featured Argentina, the favorite to win the gold at Lima 2019, as the main attraction, and the strong team of Dominican Republic as the stellar. The public present in the venue located in the district of San Borja rewarded them with a round of applause, after each impressive point.

Peruvians that attended the match of the “Albicelestes” against Uruguay sympathized with the “charrúa” team that could barely keep up with the star players that compete in European leagues. Gabriel Deck, star player of Real Madrid, was the top scorer, and Scola also made slam dunks that resulted in an overwhelming triumph with a difference of more than 40 points.

“I’m very happy to be in my first Pan American Games, and most importantly I believe that people had a good time. I’m happy that the kids gave me with a round of applause. The idea is to win. If we were able to put on a nice show, as happened in the last quarter, it’s only because of the high-competition level of all players,” pointed out the legendary center Luis Scola.

Nicolás Laprovittola, on the other hand, highlighted the respect shown by the Peruvian public. “We were focused at all times because our main goal is to win the gold at Lima 2019. We also feel close to the people, and if we can put on a show, as we did during the match, then we’ll do it. But our priority is to win,” said the Real Madrid forward.

The competitions will continue tomorrow with the “Albicelestes” facing Dominican Republic at 13:30 on the second match of Group B, which includes Mexico and Uruguay too. There are still tickets available to see the best basketball players on our website: www.lima2019.pe/tickets or at the 11 authorized Teleticket points of sale throughout the city.

The same cauldron that traveled over 6500 km across Peru with the Pan American Torch Relay in 23 days is now placed in the Parque de la Exposición. This venue will house the Culturaymi, the cultural festival of the Lima 2019 Games. The symbolic Pan American flame is still lit, so that everyone can see it.

The colorful cauldron is decorated with Lima 2019 designs and is located in the Flag Plaza, alongside the pool of the Independence Centennial Celebration. This place makes the Olympic flame even more symbolic, as the Lima 2019 route is also an important part of Peru’s Bicentennial Celebrations.

Therefore, the Pan American Torch Route was an essential moment for Lima 2019. Even tough the Games are taking place in Lima, the Olympic flame united all Peru. Nowadays, this memorable route can be seen in the map of Peru as if it had veins.

The Lima 2019 cultural program is the result of the union of cultures since the regional governments opened booths with their craft and gastronomy workshops and perform shows to promote their culture.

Torch Route

On July 2, the Pan American flame was lit in Mexico, in Temple of the Sun, Teotihuacán. First, it flew to Cuzco, in South America, and then crossed the rest of Peru. Finally, it arrived at the National Stadium in order to open the Pan American Games on July 26. The Olympic Flame enlighten over 26 districts and 22 regions.

The largest sports event in the Americas opened August with a wide range of competitions, which will offer attendees an unforgettable multi-sports show. The top delegations in the continent will try to reach a spot on the podium and claim the gold in the most number of disciplines.

In this context, the men’s softball final will take place at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center from 10:00 to 17:50. In this first final, gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded. The finalists are Argentina, Mexico and United States.

In the evening, at the National University of San Marcos, the Peruvian football team will play against Honduras and will try to bounce back from its previous loss. The football competitions will kick off with a match between Panama and Ecuador at 10:00.

As a prelude to the end of the boxing competitions, the Miguel Grau Coliseum will house today the fights between the boxing finalists in different categories starting at 19:00. The best boxers will be awarded in the medal ceremony, including the delegations from Cuba, Dominican Republic, Brazil and United States.

Additionally, in shooting, one of the most acclaimed precision sports, athletes will compete for the gold at the Las Palmas Air Base Shooting Range from 09:00 to 14:30.

Also, the diving competitions will be held from 10:00 to 22:00 at the VIDENA Aquatic Center and are divided into two sessions.

Cycling track will feature the best cyclists in the Americas, who will give their all to win the gold. The competitions will be divided into two sessions and will be held from 11:05 to 20:11 at the Velodrome of the National Sports Village (VIDENA).

Moreover, the qualification rounds in indoor volleyball, tennis, surfing, hockey, equestrian sports, baseball, handball, basketball and badminton will continue in order to define the finalists.

To get more information about the competition schedule and results, you can visit the website: https://www.lima2019.pe/resultados.

Although the Pre-Olympic Tournament to qualify for Tokyo 2020 starts in one week, Argentina arrived at Lima 2019 with a powerful team hoping to reach a gold medal in men’s volleyball. While most of the players that will compete at the Callao Sports Center are not in the first team, they will renew the team after their participation in Japan.

The “Guerreros” began their way to the podium with a 3-0 over Cuba. It was a tight match where they managed to put themselves at the top of Group A in the Pan American Games. Many Argentinian fans were present in the grandstands of the Callao Sport Center rooting for their team with a lot of passion. Hours before, Peru lost 3-1 to Puerto Rico, and tomorrow at 12:30 they will play against the Argentinian team.

“We’re focused on the competition since we arrived at Peru. Defeating Cuba was important for us and now we have high expectations. Many of the players participating in this Games have never been to the Olympic Games, so we’re working hard every day. Also, the excitement you can feel in this coliseum is wonderful. It is worthy of these Games,” said the 24-year-old center-back, Gastón Fernández.

At 18:30, the group B will start with the match between USA vs. Chile, while the match between Brazil and Mexico will close the session at 20:30. To watch these exciting matches, buy your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets or at the authorized points of sale.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION FORMAT

The volleyball matches at the Pan American Games will be governed by the rules of the International Volleyball Federation. The men’s competition will begin on July 31 and end on August 4, while the women’s competition will be held between August 7 and 11. The venue for the volleyball competitions will be the Callao Sports Center, with a capacity of 6100 spectators and which was built for Lima 2019.

The competition format includes a preliminary round for the two pools, A and B, of four teams each that will compete in a round-robin format. The first two teams of each group will qualify to the semifinals. The two winners of the semifinal will qualify to the final match for the gold medal. The third-place teams of each group will compete for the fifth and sixth place in the qualifying round.

The supremacy of the Canadian team at artistic swimming stayed intact at Lima 2019. The Canadian duet climbed back on to the top step of the podium for the third consecutive time at the Pan American Games. The duet is made up of Claudia Holzner and Jacqueline Simoneau, true artists on the water.

The Canadian pair scored 180.0343 points in the judges’ overall count, with a high score at the artistic impression criteria as their routine fascinated the audience at the VIDENA Aquatic Center. This is the third gold medal for Simoneau at the Pan American Games, who already won two in duet and octet competitions at Toronto 2015, and the second one for Holzner, who was also part of the Canadian team at Toronto 2015.

Mexican pair Nuria Diosdado and Joana Jiménez won the silver medal scoring 174.3661 points and American pair Anita Álvarez and Ruby Remati won the bronze one with 170.6698 points. “It is indeed special for us to win this medal because we have trained together for over three years and we have a good relationship. We hope to repeat this result next year at the Olympic Games,” said Claudia Holzner.

The modern Aquatic Center was crowded on the two competition days, with the audience applauding all the athletes, who performed beautiful routines in the water. “Peruvian audience has been incredible with all the athletes. After every routine, the audience was full of joy and they shared you a unique energy,” said two-time champion Jacqueline Simoneau.

Meanwhile, Mexican talent Nuria Diosdado pointed out that Mexican sport is living something historic at Lima 2019. “We came here to win a gold medal as well as to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and at least, we achieved one goal. Mexico did not have a good start during the first days of the event, but now we are giving all our best to keep competing,” she concluded.

The final stage will take place at 20:30 with the participation of the eight best octets of the Americas. Peru will participate with a routine to the beat of criollo music. There are still tickets available that you can buy at lima2019.pe/tickets or at any of the 11 authorized Teleticket centers across the city.

The official spokesperson for Lima 2019, Carlos Manuel Lazarte, reported that after the opening ceremony the sales have increased to 25 thousand tickets per day. Buy your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets and on authorized points of sale.

So far over 450 thousand tickets have been sold for the ceremonies and competitions of the Pan American Games, as announced by the official spokesperson for Lima 2019, Carlos Manuel Lazarte, in a press conference at the Lima Convention Center (LCC).

“By the day of the opening ceremony, 250,000 tickets had been sold. It means that 25,000 were sold from the day of the opening ceremony onwards.” he explained.

Buy your tickets for the different Lima 2019 sports competitions at lima2019.pe/tickets and on authorized points of sale. Also, you can get your tickets at points of sale at Jockey Plaza and at Parque de la Exposición for the Culturaymi activities.

Culturaymi

Furthermore, Lazarte was satisfied with the schedule for the Pan American Games and Culturaymi culture activities taking place at the Parque de la Exposición as they are attracting thousands of people to these events.

Medals

In addition, Lima 2019 spokesperson made a recount of the competitions held the day before, and informed that the United States leads the medal table followed by Mexico and Brazil, and in eight place is Peru.

During the conference, he also reminded the anecdotal incidents that take place in the Pan American Games, such as the marriage proposal from a gymnast, who won a sports competition, to his girlfriend.

He explained that Argentinian artistic gymnast Federico Molinari, who won the bronze medal in the rings event, asked her girlfriend to marry him after being awarded and in the middle of a TV interview.

“We want the press and the media to be able to access as much information as possible, because in the end they are the ones who spread the Games, they spread the stories of the athletes and the sports results,” he said. 

Race walking, one of the Pan American Games disciplines, will be seen in Miraflores on August 4 (20 km) and 11 (50 km) in men’s and women’s events.

This was reported by the Lima 2019 Pan American Games Organizing Committee who mentioned race walking is a progression of steps so taken that the walker makes contact with the ground. The advancing leg must be straightened (i.e. not bent at the knee) from the moment of first contact with the ground until the vertical upright position.

The Peruvian women’s team is comprised of Mary Luz Andía, the race walking world’s top ten, Kimberly García, Evelyn Inga and Yoci Caballero. Meanwhile, the men’s team is made up of José Carlos Mamani and Luis Henry Campos.

In April, 2019, the Peruvian women’s team won the Pan American Race Walking Cup in Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán, Mexico.

Thus, they are confident about reaching the podium at Lima 2019. For this reason, they have intensified their training to be in optimal conditions for the competition. However, they will play against 28 athletes from different countries (14 women and 14 men).   

Race walking is a road competition free of charges for all spectators, so around five thousand people are expected to attend the event and root for their favorite athletes along the route.

The route for the 20 km and 50 km events goes from Av. José Larco, close to the Municipality of Miraflores, to the intersection with Calle Tarata. Then, the return will be through the same streets to Óvalo de Miraflores.

Learn about the detour plan

To ensure the optimal development of the competition, the Lima 2019 Pan American Games Organizing Committee, the Municipality of Miraflores and the Peruvian National Police (PNP) informed that the street closure plan will be carried out on August 4 and 11, from 00:00 to 15:00.

Closed streets:

• Av. José Larco, from Óvalo de Miraflores to Calle Tarata
• Av. Diagonal, from Óvalo de Miraflores to Calle Schell
• Calle Bellavista, from Calle Berlín to Av. José Pardo
• Calle Mártir José Olaya, from Av. Diagonal to Av. José Pardo
• Calle Schell, from Av. José Larco to Av. Diagonal
• Av. José Pardo (From West to East), from Calle Bellavista to Óvalo de Miraflores

Alternative routes:

• Westbound: Av. José Pardo - Av. Jorge Chávez – Calle José Gálvez – Av. Diagonal – Av. Benavides – Av. La Paz – Av. Ricardo Palma.
• Eastbound: Av. Ricardo Palma – Av. Petit Thouars – Jr. Gonzales Prada – Calle Enrique Palacios – Av. Comandante Espinar – Av. José Pardo.
• Northbound: Av. José Larco – Av. Benavides – Av. La Paz – Av. Ricardo Palma – Av. Petit Thouars – Jr. Gonzales Prada – Calle Enrique Palacios – Av. Comandante Espinar – Av. José Pardo.
• Southbound: Av. Arequipa – Calle Enrique Palacios – Calle Elías Aguirre – Av. Grau – Calle José Gonzales – Av. Diagonal.

Recommendations

The Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee has some recommendations for the spectators who will be supporting the athletes during this competition:

• Do not throw objects to the competition track.
• Do not throw water at the athletes.
• Do not interfere with the marathon circuit.
• Do not bring pets because they could run away and interrupt the competition.
• Respect the road closure which will be in force during the competition.

For many people, 5x5 basketball was the most expected sport at Lima 2019. There was a lot of expectation for Argentinian basketball team and “Team USA.” And so it was, United States defeated the US Virgin Islands (119-84) today in the opening match of Group A.

Early on, long lines of fans were formed around the Eduardo Dibós Coliseum to see the official opening of 5x5 Basketball competitions and the American team players who compete at the America East Conference.

Milco, the Lima 2019 official mascot, could not miss the match and was in the grandstands to take more than a selfie with the audience. Likewise, the camera recorded the grandstands during the break time.

The first 5x5 Basketball score points were from American Alpha Diallo(#11), who scored a three-points basket. However, the first score of the US Virgin Islands team led by Walter Hodge (#6), was one of the most applauded.

Then, jumps performed by David Duke Jr. and Diallo, the top scorer of the set with 20 points, were awarded with warm applauses.

The American team had the tallest player on the field, Geoffrey Grossell (2m12cm); meanwhile, Devon Peltier from the US Virgin Islands had the shortest player at 1m81cm.  

At the end of the match, both teams left the field with well-deserved applause from the audience. It was a high-level Lima 2019 match.

The American team aims to win the gold medal again at the Pan American Games. The American team won bronze medal at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games behind Brazil (gold) and Canada (silver).

Basketball competitions will continue today starting at 13:30 when Puerto Rico plays against Venezuela in Group A. Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay and Dominican Republic are in Group B. Argentina will compete against Uruguay at 18:00. Also, Mexico will play against Dominican Republic from 21:00 to 23:30.

The second competition day will take place on Thursday, August 1 between US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico (10:30 - 13:00) and Dominican Republic vs. Argentina (13:00 - 16:00). Likewise, Uruguay and Mexico will compete from 18:00 to 20:30, Venezuela vs. United States from 21:00 to 23:30.

Photo gallery (click here)