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. 

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. 

Carlos Neuhaus, the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee (COPAL) president, said that all the organization is very satisfied by the great results that the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games will leave.

During a press conference, he said that one of the big legacies of this event is that it contributed to the unity among the participating athletes of numerous countries and different sports disciplines.

He ensured that the Lima 2019 will be the most remembered Games by athletes and Peruvians because they are leaving an important mark for Peru and all the Americas.

Neuhaus was so satisfied by the answer of the Peruvian public that attended the sports venues to support our athletes. It resulted in the sale of more than 130,000 tickets. In addition, he ensured that the Lima 2019 Pan American Games leave a positive balance. 

The COPAL President also highlighted that hundreds of students have witnessed this historic edition of the Games in Lima thanks to the free tickets that allow the public school students to attend the different competitions.

Also, he reaffirmed the very special gratitude to the thousands of volunteers of all ages and nationalities who always spent their time smiling and being kind to help the athletes and the general public.

This way, the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games end with a positive balance because they joined all cultures from the Americas, through the sport, putting the world’s spotlight on Peru with the phrase that will remain in our minds: “Let’s all play”.

Julio César Ávila, President of the Americas Paralympic Committee, and Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, were also present at the press conference. Furthermore, the Parapan American medalists Verónica Hipólito from Brazil (Para athletics), María Angélica Bernal (wheelchair tennis), Israel Hilario (Para-cycling) and Angélica Espinoza (Para taekwondo) also attended this conference.

Galería de fotos (clic aquí)

Prime Minister Salvador del Solar praised the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Organizing Committee. “Lately we have been receiving a lot of news related to our problems but, in the last few days, thanks to the efforts of the Pan American Games, that news has been replaced with incredible news,” he said while speaking to a group of young students and Lima 2019 volunteers.

Del Solar highlighted the work of the Lima 2019 volunteer team at the “El País que imaginamos” conference, which took place at the Bicentenario Fair located in Parque de la Exposición, Culturaymi venue. “Since we are here and there is a large group of Parapan American Games volunteers, I would like to ask for a round of applause.”

Del Solar recalled fondly that he “was lucky enough to be invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the over 16 thousand volunteers.” He also said that visitors from all of the Americas have applauded our opening and closing ceremonies, that have proven to be of “Olympic category.”

He recalled when Peru agreed to host the Lima 2019 Games and “a great number of wishes and efforts aligned for the event that we proudly celebrate today to become a reality.”

Prime Minister Del Solar did not hesitate to take photos with the enthusiastic Lima 2019 volunteer team, who gifted him a token that represents them.

The Peruvian Olympic Committee gave the medalists and members of the Peruvian delegation a well-deserved recognition for their outstanding participation in the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.  

This official recognition held at the University of Lima started with the welcome from the president of the university, Oscar Quezada Macchiavello, who expressed that is a great joy and honor to pay tribute to all Peruvian athletes who participate in the most important sports event in the continent. 

“You are a role model for young people and the country, an example of what self-improvement, team work, moral, and good practices mean. This is what we have to learn from sports,” he said. 

For his part, Pedro del Rosario, president of the Peruvian Olympic Committee, stated that the reason of the Pan American Games are the athletes and that this sports event is for them. 

“Imagine if a great infrastructure had been built and no medals would have been won, it would not have been a success. It would have been a great country with a great infrastructure, but in sports we would not have had any medals,” he said. 

Afterwards, diplomas of recognition were given to the athletes who were part of the great Peruvian delegation in these Games, which was the largest delegation in the sports history of Peru. 

The recognition was also for the medical staff in charge of the Peruvian delegation, the volunteers, and the accreditation personnel who helped the Peruvian athletes.  

Then, the Peruvian medalists received a medal display case, a special souvenir from the authorities. 

The athletes Alexandra Grande (gold medal in kumite karate), Kevin Martínez (gold medal in Basque pelota), and Vania Torres (silver medal in surf) were grateful and happy by this recognition.  

The president of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, executives of the Peruvian Olympic Committee, authorities of the aforementioned university, executives of sports federations and general public were present in this event. 

Photo Gallery (click here) 

“Thanks, Peru. These were the best Pan American Games in history,” stated Neven Ilic, president of Panam Sports, during his speech from twelve days ago at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games Closing Ceremony in the National Stadium, in the presence of the highest authorities of Peru and Chile, 40 thousand people—including athletes and the general public—, and millions of viewers around the world. 

There are several factors that can determine that Lima 2019 is truly among the most successful continental events in history. 

The first factor is, without a doubt, the number of records that were set in this event, starting with the number of participating athletes: a total of 6508 athletes, a number never seen before in this type of event. Then, over 100,000 young people from around the world signed up as volunteers, with the final number being 12 thousand, and were essential to the organization. If we add to this the fact that the qualifying events for the Olympic Games increased from 12 to 21 sports disciplines, it is clear that we have a competition that was superior to past editions.  

The sports figures are surprising. The more than 100 Olympic medalists and the new generations of athletes showed everyone that the level of sports in the continent is on the rise. 

At Lima 2019, a total of 3028 medals were awarded: 419 gold medals, 419 silver medals, 523 bronze medals. Additionally, the US won the most medals with 293 and it was precisely one of its athletes who received the biggest applause because she was the top medal winner of the event. Rhythmic gymnast Evita Griskenas of Team USA won five medals in total: four gold in ball, hoop, ribbon and individual all-around, and one bronze in clubs.  

Moreover, several countries achieved historic performances: Brazil came in second with 171 medals (55 gold, 45 silver and 71 bronze); Mexico gave its best performance outside its borders, coming in third place with 136 medals; the host country, Peru, had never before won 11 gold medals and a total of 39; and Chile won 50 medals, 13 of which were gold, improving its best performance at Buenos Aires 1951. Finally, Aruba and the British Virgin Islands were the only two nations in the history of the Pan American Sports Organization to have never made it on to the podium, but in Lima, both nations won medals. Aruba won bronze in sailing and the Virgin Islands won gold in athletics. 

In total, 68 Pan American records were broken in eight sports: 13 in athletics, three in cycling, seven in swimming, 16 in archery, 14 in weightlifting and 15 in shooting. 

Nevertheless, by far the most important achievement of the XVIII edition of the Pan American Games came from Brady Ellison, from the United States. He earned 702 points in the individual recurve bow event, a new world record, leaving behind the 700-point record of Korean Kim Woojin from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. 

Aside from the numbers, everything points to the fact that the outcome of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games was extremely positive for all the participants of this great continental event. And, as the curtain falls on this celebration, it will be four more years until Santiago de Chile gathers the best athletes of Americas once more, in a mission that will surely not be easy, since Peru set an extremely high bar in terms of organization and sports level.

ABOUT PANAM SPORTS

Exclusive content of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, including backstage and interviews of the greatest figures can be found on our Panam Sports Channel. Visit www.panamsportschannel.org

Panam Sports is the leader of sports and the Olympic Movement in the Americas. Panam Sports encourages the development of sports and supports the 41 National Olympic Committee members in order to inspire greater worldwide participation, as well as the participation of the youth, to prepare the next generation of athletes across the continent.

Panam Sports works closely with athletes, National Olympic Committees (NOC), the Organizing Committees of all regional Games, Pan American Sports Confederations, International Federations (IFs) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure the success of their main event: the Pan American Games.

For the latest news and updates on Panam Sports, visit the website www.panamsports.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube @PanamSports.

The Pan American Games left us a great lesson. There is no age limit nor specific reason to practice sports. Some may say their stories are entirely different, but they actually share the same passion: sport. 

While Claudia was claiming her seventh consecutive title in frontón, .Alexia had already started flutter kicking in the water. 

At age 51, Claudia Suárez won the gold in Peruvian frontón at the last Pan American Games and has never been defeated after claiming the national crown 20 years ago. 

Alexia Sotomayor also broke the mold. At just 13 years old, she became the youngest Peruvian athlete to participate in a Pan American Games and impressed the world by breaking her own records. She almost qualified for Tokyo 2020 in the 500 m freestyle final.  

Both met each other for the first time this weekend during the Festival “Learn Through Play”, which aimed to promote de Parapan American Games that will be held from August 23 to September 1.  

“I practiced swimming for many years, but when my shoulders started to broaden I didn’t like it that much, so I got into racket sports,” told us Claudia when asked if she had ever tried professional swimming? 

For Alexia, the Pan American Games experience was unforgettable and also a big step in her career that has just started. “We competed against Olympic medalists and world record holders. I had the chance of going up against them, and that motivates me. It felt so good. When you’re competing, you focus on yourself to try to improve and pursue your goals,” mentioned Alexia. 

Claudia’s First Steps 

Claudia gave her first steps in sports in squash.  “I started competing at the age of 15 in a squash South American championship held in Paraguay. When I was 13, I wasn't even thinking about competing; I didn’t even know what sport I wanted to play at all. When I see Alexia, I see a great role model for kids. My son is 15, and I’m dying to see what sport he’ll choose. It’s complicated because you can’t force kids. You have to let them be themselves and choose what sport they like the most. They must decide on their own. I also had to make that decision at some point,” indicated the Pan American medalist.   

So after hearing all her experience, we asked Claudia to give Alexia a piece of advice. “You must be very disciplined and train hard to be an elite athlete. I used to go to parties too, but there must be some limits. I didn’t understand it at her age either, but my parents helped me out.” 

Currently, Claudia works a Peruvian frontón teacher. “I’ve been teaching kids for 17 years now because I want to promote sports practice. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness. The sports career is incredible, and it gives you many satisfactions,” added the Pan American medalist with her usual serenity. 

Then, we asked Alexia: “What kind of teacher do you think Claudia is?” I think she helps everyone who wants to improve. She’s not a serious teacher, but she does like discipline,” said the young athlete.   

Claudia immediately added: “I’m very motherly with children. Everyone sees me as their mom, and that helps me teach them better.” 

Life at 13 

Alexia is still on vacations and is about to start her first high-school year. She was six months old when she first touched the water. Her mother, who also practiced swimming, took a course for mothers and babies. At age 5, she started swimming in a sports club. 

Being an elite athlete takes a lot of effort, and Alexia had to wait until the end to confirm her participation in Lima 2019.  “First, they had to validate my mark because of my age, but at the end they let me participate, and I was proud to represent Peru.” 

“I get a lot of support from my school. They help me catch up and make up my exams. Sport changes your lifestyle; for example, my friends go to parties, but I have to give up some of those activities due to my training. If I want to be the best, I have to train every day,” mentioned Alexia sure of herself. 

Her priorities are straight: “Going to the Pan American Games in Chile and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. I see myself on the podium,” concluded Alexia.   

Claudia listens closely and tells her that “the feeling of winning a medal is incredible. It makes all the effort worth it.” 

The Most Expected Event: Lima 2019  

“Lima 2019 was a memorable event, and I hope all my students get to compete in a large tournament like this one,” said Claudia in regard to her future students. 

“Representing my country made me proud. It was amazing to see all the stands packed and receiving the support of all Peruvians,” added Alexia when remembering her participation in Lima 2019 last August 8.   

Social Media 

“My followers increased after the Games. Before the event, I had 1700, but now there are almost 8000,” she said. 

“I’ve created my accounts, but someone else manages them for me. It’s taken me a while to get used to these technologies. 

Her Sport 

“This sport is my life. It’s our flagship sport, and it has achieved a milestone I thought we'd never reach thanks to the internationalization. It’s cost us a great deal, and now we have to work hard so that frontón can keep growing,” stressed Claudia when asked about her sport and how it was included as a Basque pelota discipline at Lima 2019. 

“It’s my passion, and it’s always been a part of my life,” said Alexia. 

After their meeting, they took some time to practice and promote Para sports and to show the passion that runs through their veins. They’re an example for all generations in our country. 

The President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, and the athletes Andrea Almarza, Saida Salcedo and Kevin Martínez were awarded by the Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola.   

In a short speech to the athletes, Neuhaus stated he was “very proud of all of you who represented Peru and also of the volunteers, whose work has been extraordinary.”  

“Seeing each one of you giving your best for Peru and then on the podium celebrating your achievements is something I won’t forget. The best reward we’ve ever had was watching your photos biting the medal and holding the cuchimilco in your hands,” he added.   

He also mentioned that the outcome of the Pan American Games “has been a total success. All the population has played, they have respected the ‘Pan American lane’. It is something that has touched everyone and made us proud to be Peruvians.”  

“This has been accomplished thanks to a team that was formed and started to take shape, and the results were given, although there are always anecdotes. For example, one day at 05:00 I was told that 100 drivers had not showed up. By 07:00, everything was working fine, but it was two hours of great anguish. And that would not have been possible without the support of the Air Force and the Army. Thanks to that, all the buses went out to work and it did not affect the development of the Games,” he concluded.  

At the ceremony were also present the Mayor of Lima, Jorge Muñoz; the founder and President of the Fundación Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Raúl Diez Canseco; the President of the Peruvian Sports Institute, Sebastián Suito; the Secretary General of the Peruvian Olympic Committee, Carlos Manuel Lazarte; as well as Iván Dibós, member of the International Olympic Committee. 

The first stage of the campaign called “Lima: a city that does NOT play with violence against children”, joining Lima 2019, the Municipality of Lima, and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), through the power of sports and Olympic values against violence, finished today paying homage to the sportive spirit of the Games with a walkathon.

The president of COPAL, Carlos Neuhaus, the Mayor of Lima, Jorge Muñoz, the representative of UNICEF in Peru, Ana de Mendoza, the UK Ambassador, Kate Harrisson, Regional Director of Education in Metropolitan Lima Area, Killa Miranda, the Vice-Minister of Pedagogical Management, Patricia Andrade, and the district mayors of Surquillo, Magdalena del Mar, and Lince led the walk which started from Plaza San Martín and finished in Plaza Mayor of Lima, .

The authorities together with other athletes and medalists of Lima 2019 walked along the Jirón de la Unión holding a large Peruvian UNICEF shirt which passed by the Games venues during competition.

Many Lima 2019 volunteers walked with the girls, boys and adolescents of the National Council of Children and Adolescents (CONNA), La Onda de Mi Cole (interscholastic game promoted by UNICEF and Prisma), the Student Metropolitan Committee (COMETE) and the Casa de los Petisos.

At the end of the walk, the authorities hung the shirt on the balcony of the Municipal Palace of Lima with a back having a background music the patriotic encouragements and batucada from ‘La Blanquirroja’.

“Fortunately, this shirt seems small in comparison to all the accomplishments we have reached in this Pan American Games. A way to compete against violence is working constantly and permanently, and these Games have shown that when all of us come together with one purpose that is above everything, like sports, we can get along very well among Peruvians. We thought it was very important to connect Lima 2019 to this work of UNICEF, that is above everything something good for all. We should always think that peace let us grow”, declared Neuhaus.

In that same note, the mayor of Lima, Jorge Muñoz, emphasized Lima 2019 has always been driven by unity, it along with other values shall drive the society in the future.

“I believe that these Games have shown us what our country should be, of what our dear Peru should be. But nothing of that will be accomplished if we are not together as we are now. Let’s remember the Games motto: "Let’s all play". I would like to ask Carlos to let us use this motto to say, in relation to the protection of children and adolescents, that “Let’s all play”.

Finally, the representative of UNICEF highlighted that the Pan American Games will be a great opportunity to also eradicate other type of violence spread in our country, but, at the same time, not recognized as such: indifference.

The Pan American Games have been incredible. It has been an opportunity to put Lima and Peru out in the world, and I believe it was beneficial for everyone. As UNICEF, we want the Games social legacy to be the eradication of violence against children and adolescents. We also want the Parapan American Games to have the same visibility of the extraordinary Pan American Games. We do not want our indifference to become one more obstacle for the children who struggle daily to have the best possible development”, he assured.

The ceremony at the Government Palace was one of mutual gratitude. On one side, President Martín Vizcarra awarded the athletes who won medals at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, while the athletes, represented by Alexandra Grande, congratulated the president for attending competitions like a regular fan of Peruvian sports. 

Everyone, even the athletes who were absent, were awarded the Order of Merit for Distinguished Services in the “comendador” rank. Vizcarra also pointed out the abilities of the competitors in each discipline, and highlighted the participation of the 21 women who made it on to the podium at the Pan American competitions. 

“Your presence here is the just acknowledgement of your talent and dexterity, as well as your faith and perseverance during the 2019 Pan American Games. For everything you’ve done for the country, which will remain as an example for the children of Peru, we award you with this decoration of honor,” said the president to the athletes. 

Vizcarra also acknowledged the work of the president of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, for his ability to manage the government’s resources in pursuit of executing one of the greatest editions of the most important multi-sports events in the continent. 

“The success of the Games would not have been possible without the effort and hard work of a great professional who, since day one, despite the doubts, suspicions and pessimism of some, committed himself entirely to this great project that has put Peru under the world’s spotlight. The entire country recognizes your dedication, work and commitment,” asserted the president. 

Vizcarra pointed out that the sports event proved Peru is ready to organize massive events. “Once again, I thank you on behalf of the entire country for having represented us so honorably, for being our ambassadors, our pride, our example,” concluded Vizcarra.