The “Beyond Lima 2019” program ended with the phrase “We all did it.” This workshop, conducted by the Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee, lasted two days and recognized the great work carried out by the personnel. 

This workshop served as a job transition guide for all those attending, once their employment with Lima 2019 ends. It also gave them the opportunity to define future professional projects, to develop an action plan and to gain or reinforce skills or tools that will help them face the demands of the current job market. 

Lima 2019 Sports Director Gustavo San Martin said that this was a way for the organization to thank and congratulate the entire team for their efforts to make the Pan American and Parapan American Games a success. 

San Martin also called on all Lima 2019 staff members to feel proud of what they have done because it will be one of their main strengths and  they must make the most of it when the time comes to acquire a new job, whether it is in the public or private sector, dependent or freelance. 

“We concluded a successful project and proved we’re great professionals. We are very thankful for your great efforts. You truly did it yourselves and of that we should be very proud,” he said with emotion. 

It is important to point out that the “Beyond Lima 2019” program was developed with the objective of contributing with the professional lives of everyone who were a part of Lima 2019, and help them take the necessary steps towards finding a clear life mission. 

The Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games have allowed more citizens to participate in sports activities and appreciate the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle in accessible, pleasant and sustainable facilities that enable social cohesion with an inclusive approach. 

As a result, the main venues of the Lima 2019 Games will host the National School Sports Games (JDEN 2019), organized by the Bureau of Physical Education and Sport (DEFID) from the Ministry of Education. 

The Athletics Stadium and the Aquatic Center located at the National Sports Village (VIDENA), where the most outstanding athletes of the continent competed, will host the JDEN 2019 competitions. 

The National School Sports Games will take place from September 16 to 27, 2019, and the best Peruvian school athletes and Para athletes will test their skills in a healthy competitive environment to strengthen positive relationships among the students. 

The purpose of the JDEN is to promote and cultivate sports talent among students and foster values for comprehensive training and reinforcement of different learning approaches established in the National Curriculum of Basic Education. 

Thus, Lima 2019 aims to develop future generations, inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic values, to build a country where sports are the main factor of social transformation favoring inclusion, integration and healthy lifestyles behaviors. 

The president of the Lima 2019 Games Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, was decorated this afternoon for his outstanding work leading the team that successfully prepared and developed the largest multi-sports celebration of the continent in Peru. 

On behalf of the Municipality of Lima, Mayor Jorge Muñoz conferred the Order of Merit Medal in the rank of “Gran Cruz” to Carlos Neuhaus for organizing the best Pan American and Parapan American Games in the history of the continent, as recognized by international organizations such as Panam Sports and the Americas Paralympic Committee. The ceremony was held in Salón de los Espejos at the Palacio Municipal of Lima, and the President Martín Vizcarra and the medalists of the Pan American and Parapan American Games were also present. 

This recognition became official under Municipal Resolution 432-2019, which acknowledges the work of Carlos Neuhaus at Lima 2019, including sports competitions, the worldwide exposure of Peruvian culture and the social inclusion work carried out thanks to the success of the Games. 

Carlos Neuhaus, who had previously been recognized by the president of Peru and Peruvian Congress, thanked them for awarding him the medal of the city. “All the work we did was for the athletes. Each medal they won was a recognition for us. That’s why we celebrated each of their victories. I’m very grateful for this honor. To tell you the truth, I didn’t expect this distinction, but it is very important to me because this medal was also awarded to my father many years ago. I’m honored to receive this medal on behalf of the city,” said the president of COPAL.  

Meanwhile, Mayor Muñoz highlighted the work of the Organizing Committee and the participation of athletes and Para athletes at Lima 2019. “Thanks to Lima 2019 we have a more inclusive city. The motto ‘Let’s All Play’ was accomplished, and the Games have helped elevate Lima. The athletes infected us with their optimism and unity. They taught us a lesson about what can we achieve as Peruvians. Everything is possible if we are united. The Games leave a huge legacy and a more inclusive Lima. Thanks to the Organizing Committee, because they proved that when we dream big, we can do extraordinary things. Thanks for the good times.” 

“To the athletes who filled us with pride and taught us life lessons during the Parapan American Games: You’re etched on my heart and you inspire us. We’re going to work to achieve universal accessibility. By the end of our term, we want a more inclusive Lima. Lima 2019 proved to us that everything is possible. That is why, I would like to thank those who organized and participated in the Games on behalf of Lima,” added major Muñoz.  

Fifteen years after her first world title, one of the most notable Peruvian athletes of all time made history once again in surfing. Sofia Mulanovich, Lima 2019 Ambassador, won the open surfing event at the ISA World Games (International Surfing Association) that took place in Japan. It was a much-wanted comeback for fans of this sport.

Mulanovich, who won the same title at the 2004 World Cup in Ecuador, competed against the elite of the World Surf League (WSL), and managed to defeat them with excellent maneuvers that showcased her enduring skills. “Sofi” trained with dedication and, although she is not ranked in the world circuit, this is a message that, at 36, she can still achieve great things.

“This means everything to me. I'm very happy and excited. It's amazing to come here and celebrate. That's what this is all about: celebrating and loving sports. I can feel the magic. Everything I've won in my life is so emotional. All I've won is because everything fell into place. It's a dream come true,” said the Peruvian at the end of the competition.

Sofia prevailed over surfing stars such as Brazilian Silvana Lima, South African Bianca Buitendag and American Carissa Moore, who were unable to reach the Peruvian surfer's scores. Her next goal will be reaching one of the last seven quota places at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which will be awarded at the 2020 ISA World Cup, to be held between April and May next year.

“As a child, I never dreamed of competing in the Olympics, because I was a long way from that, but now it's possible. It's a dream come true for everyone to represent your country at the biggest event in the world. I hope I get to go next year and carry the flag,” commented Sofia on the possibility of qualifying.

The Lima 2019 Ambassador participated in the official broadcast of the Games as a commentator. In addition, she visited the High Performance Surfing Center built at Punta Rocas Beach on several occasions. Her comeback to the world's biggest competitions is great news for all sports lovers.

The successful development of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games is an invaluable source of inspiration for future Peruvian generations. In that regard, there is no doubt Lima 2019 will leave a socio-educational legacy that will become the stepping stone to a better country.

For this reason, the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee President, Carlos Neuhaus, was invited to the opening ceremony of the Villa Caritas and San Pedro Schools cultural week. He delivered a master lecture on the achievements that have placed Lima 2019 as the best Games in the history of the Americas.

The COPAL president stated, amid the cheers of all the students, his gratitude for the warm welcome, leaving a message of unity and leadership.

“We can achieve great things when we work toward a common goal. Hosting the Pan American and Parapan American Games is evidence that we can achieve what we want as a country,” he excitedly said before all the audience.

In turn, Edith Garcia, Vice-principal of both schools, congratulated Neuhaus on their behalf for the success of the Games while recalling their famous motto.

“We’re so proud as a nation to have been Games hosts. We’ve seen the dreams of so many athletes come true. And this was all possible thanks to the team led by Mr. Neuhaus, who did everything to make this possible and as the Games’ motto goes, let’s all play,” she said emphatically. 

Afterwards, a constructive brainstorming session between Neuhaus and the students took place, where he emphasized one of the aspects that ensured the great management of Lima 2019.

“It was critical to build a work team full of determination, courage and commitment to give the best impression of Peru, bringing out the best in themselves to achieve this goal”, he commented.

At the end, Neuhaus received an honorary distinction and a handcrafted present from the Head Prefects of both private schools.

The successful organization of the Pan American and Parapan American Games in Peru will leave a series of benefits for the country in many aspects. One of them is the economic legacy, whose impact will amount to PEN 5200 million, according to Carlos Neuhaus, President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee. Neuhaus gave a presentation before the Education, Youth and Sports Commission of the Peruvian Congress.

Neuhaus attended the meeting of the Congress working group in order to deliver the balance of the successful organization of Lima 2019, recognized as the best Games in the history of the Americas by international organizations such as Panam Sports and the International Paralympic Committee.

The President of COPAL highlighted, among the benefits of hosting the Lima 2019 Games in Peru, the economic impact of PEN 5200 million. Out of this amount, 1800 million soles will be generated in 2019. Neuhaus also stated that Lima 2019 created 500,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs.

Neuhaus added that Lima 2019 broke all the attendance records in the history of the Pan American and Parapan American Games. There were 587,000 people at the competitions and ceremonies of the Pan American Games. The Parapan American Games had over 170,000 attendees.

Among other Games figures, Neuhaus stressed that there were 1109 hours of TV broadcast, through 40 networks at the Pan American Games and 15 at the Parapan American Games. “Only in Peru and Brazil, an audience of 140 million viewers has been estimated. Overall, 400 million people watched the ceremonies and competitions in many countries around the world,” he said.

Regarding the media impact, the President of the Organizing Committee assured that 80,000 news articles about the Games were published worldwide, with a value that reached USD 1086 million. USD 933 million from the total is for the Pan American Games and USD 153 million for the Parapan American Games.

Neuhaus pointed out that the organization and execution budget, which amounted to PEN 4200 million, was lower than the amount originally set. “To achieve this, we optimized resources. We reduced the number of towers in the Pan American and Parapan American Village from 39 to 7, and one Sports Center, to keep within the budget. In the end, the amount of money invested was smaller,” he said.

In the presentation, it was mentioned that 36,460 trips were made during the Games to transport athletes, technical officials and judges. “Everybody respected the Pan American Lane. Therefore, we must congratulate the people of Lima. No athlete was late for a competition,” said Neuhaus.

REASONS FOR SUCCESS

Carlos Neuhaus also spoke of the reasons for the success of the Lima 2019 Games, and stated that it was based on “teamwork, the people's commitment to support the organization and the participation at all levels, reflecting the “Let’s All Play” slogan.

He also acknowledged the support of the Peruvian Armed Forces and the National Police since the lighting of the Torch. He also highlighted the Concurrent Control system developed by the Comptroller General of the Republic, “identifying the signs of risk and acting to continue promoting the infrastructure works.”

The president of COPAL also mentioned the Games legacy, and said that the organization is working on sustainable plans for the sports infrastructure built and remodeled for Lima 2019.

Likewise, the Government-to-government Agreement with the United Kingdom was highlighted. The legacy of this agreement will be the new public management models such as the NEC Contract or the PMO, which accelerate construction processes.

The President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee (COPAL), Carlos Neuhaus, stated that the Pan American and Parapan American Games constitute an investment paradigm which should be replicated by the Government in order to undertake successful public projects and raise Peru’s profile in the context of sustainable economic development.

“With an economic impact amounting to 5200 million soles, Lima 2019 is a model for project execution based on transparency and clear goals. It will help us continue moving toward development,” Neuhaus highlighted during the opening of the Peru CEO Impact Summit.

The COPAL president also stressed that the key to Lima 2019 being regarded as the best Pan American and Parapan American Games in history lies in the co-operation between the Government and civil society.

“The Games were a unique time in the history of the country. We set out to make them a reality and we achieved a feat, with the participation of various public entities such as local governments, the Armed Forces and ministries, as well as the unconditional support of our citizens. This was evidenced in a survey by Ipsos Apoyo, which revealed that 94% of the population approved of them,” he stated, excitedly.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Salvador del Solar announced the recent Government decision to approve the incorporation of the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology to the National Competitiveness Plan. This methodology was used by Lima 2019 to great success.

“The National Competitiveness Plan was designed to turn this country into the place we want to leave to our children. It must focus on solving the problems caused by the infrastructure gap. And Lima 2019 serves as a model of public investment for a wide array of infrastructure works such as schools, hospitals and others,” the Prime Minister concluded.

Finally, the summit participants warmly thanked Mr. Neuhaus for achieving the goals set, and stated unanimously that Lima 2019 is a model of transparent and efficient public management which has made it possible to rebuild institutionality and trust in government entities.

“I congratulate you and your team on the excellent Games organization. This is why I believe that it’s crucial to transfer the experience and knowledge gained by the officials who worked for Lima 2019 to various local and national government organizations, for the execution of forthcoming investment projects,” highlighted Michel Canta, Vice Minister of Economy and Finance.

The Lima 2019 Games proved that Peruvians are capable of overcoming new challenges. We were capable of organizing the best Pan American and Parapan American Games in the history of the continent, implementing a new model of public management, renowned everywhere, which could be replicated in different government entities.

Therefore, the president of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, was invited by Universidad Continental to participate in the panel discussion “The public management success of the Lima 2019 Games,” where he gave a presentation about the main achievements that led to the great organization of the largest multidisciplinary event of the continent, recognized by Panam Sports and the Americas Paralympic Committee.

“The Lima 2019 Games were executed because they were a State commitment, which I was able to join in September 2016, as an important challenge in my life. These Games were successful because we had close to 600 thousand spectators at the Pan American Games and over 170 thousand at the Parapan American Games, surpassing previous attendance records,” said Neuhaus.

REASONS FOR THE SUCCESS OF LIMA 2019

“We worked under the Government-to-Government Agreement with the United Kingdom, which provided us with technical assistance, as they had experience organizing this type of event. This allowed us to optimize resources, such as reducing the towers in the Pan American and Parapan American Village. As part of the agreement, new management models were implemented, such as NEC, which was developed by engineers to avoid delays in the execution of infrastructure projects.”

“We worked alongside the Comptroller General’s Office of the Republic, that carried out the pertinent controls, working from within the organization of Lima 2019, and all their observations were solved immediately.”

“We planned all projects, developed progress reports, as well as change management and cost management. We organized one of the few Games below the allocated budget, optimizing resources. We carried out 12 remodeling projects and built certified stages in VIDENA, Callao, Villa María del Triunfo and Villa El Salvador.”

“In terms of logistics, we served 700 thousand meal portions at the Pan American and Parapan American Games. We made 4000 trips during the Pan American Games and 2000 trips during the Parapan American Games. Not a single athlete was late for a competition thanks to the Pan American lane, which is already being removed. Medical services were available all day and we collected more samples for doping control than in Toronto. Security was fully in control and no inconveniences occurred. As for the Torch Relay, it was really exciting, and the ceremonies were amazing.”

“The volunteers and their great attitude played a significant role in the organization. Initially, 100 thousand people signed up, but only 28,000 received training. In the end, over 11,000 volunteers participated in the Games. Of that number, 622 were foreigners.”

“We applied all the purchasing systems for the planning of the Games. Close to 200 thousand goods were bought, among others, through the MyPerú purchasing program. More than 2500 jobs were created with this system.”

|“Being in charge of the organization has been a pleasant experience. This has been the best job I’ve ever had. Because here, we all play.”

“Teamwork was essential. We brought together people from the private sector, who helped speed up the project, and people from the public sector, who had a better understanding of government processes. Building this team was critical to making this organization a success. We had professionals from Peru and abroad, as well as people linked to sports,” added Carlos Neuhaus during his presentation, which received the applause of the entire auditorium.

GUEST PARTICIPATION

The comptroller general of the Republic, Nelson Shack, and the chairman of the Board of Petroperú, Carlos Paredes Lanatta, as well as the former president of Servir, Juan Carlos Cortés, also participated in the presentation of Carlos Neuhaus They recognized the work carried out for the organization of Lima 2019.

“One of the reasons for the success of the Games has been knowing how to make decisions and solve issues, as well as the courage and leadership of Carlos Neuhaus, which was essential. The work team was committed,” said the comptroller during his participation.

“Lima 2019 was in charge of 22 construction projects and finished them on time. They had a different legal framework than other construction projects. They were able to sign contracts according to the NEC model and had qualified assistance from the United Kingdom. They came to teach professional management. Forms of work, lie in private companies, were also applied. Our work with Lima 2019 was multidisciplinary and the reports were solved immediately. This was part of the recipe to make everything work. Regarding the comptroller general’s office, nothing’s going to happen later, because we have been involved in everything,” said Shack.

“The execution of Lima 2019 is a great source of pride and a great success. We have proven that we can do it. This model can be applied to large projects, with a similar mechanism,” he added.

Meanwhile, Carlos Paredes pointed out that Lima 2019 will leave a new method for managing the public sector. “It is a legacy that proves that things can be done right. Carlos Neuhaus proved that we can do it. We are now applying the same control method in the Talara refinery and working with the PMO that was implemented in Lima 2019,” he stated.

At the end of the panel discussion, Carlos Neuhaus received the “Medalla Universitaria Continental” from the university, for his distinguished services in favor of the successful delivery of the Lima 2019 Games.

ABOUT THE LIMA 2019 GAMES

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

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

At the Parapan American Games, close to 1800 Para athletes from 30 countries participated in 17 sports and 18 disciplines. The Peruvian delegation consisted of 139 Para athletes, who competed in 16 of the 17 sports. Competitions took place at 14 venues from August 22 to September 1, 2019. The Parapan American Games granted quotas for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in 13 Para sports.

Carlos Neuhaus, President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee (COPAL), stressed that the support of the volunteer team to the Pan American and Parapan American Games organization was essential for both events to achieve international success.

“I thank you infinitely for all your efforts and for having positioned Peru at the top with the greatest Games in history. We have shown that Peru has the best volunteers in the world,” a thrilled Neuhaus concluded during the Lima 2019 Volunteer Integration Festival, held at the National University of San Marcos.

Additionally, the president of COPAL highlighted that Lima 2019 has set a precedent by turning volunteering tasks into a key element for Peruvian society to achieve, with a view to the future, new goals at a continental level.

“From now on, volunteers will be essential for Peru’s development. For the Bicentennial of Peru’s Independence, we will have this amazing group of people once again,” he said amidst the ovation and cheers of the volunteers who gathered at the National University of San Marcos.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Lima 2019 Volunteer Program, Ángela Morales, pointed out that the 18,000 volunteers who participated were the main hosts of the Games, as they showed one of Peru’s most characteristic features: hospitality.

“They internalized the message that they would be the image of Peru before the entire continent, and they made it possible for athletes, Para athletes, tourists and spectators to be welcomed with joy and to have an unforgettable stay in Lima,” he said excitedly.

After the speech, the atmosphere became filled with joy with the choreography and music shows offered by Vania Masías and Lucho Quequezana.

Later, renowned bands Los Inyectores and Son Tentación also joined in the celebration. The closing act was the band Bareto, who treated the delirious audience to their catchy tropical rhythms.

Minister of Transport and Communications María Jara Risco, Minister of Education Flor Pablo, and Minister of Women Gloria Montenegro were also in attendance at this event.

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.