Peruvian athlete Ysabelino Apaza defeated Erick Deras from El Salvador 2 sets to 0 in an exciting wheelchair tennis match held at the Lawn Tennis Club.

This was Peru’s first victory at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, whose Opening Ceremony was held last night at the National Stadium. Then, Jesús Mayhua from Peru obtained its second victory in wheelchair tennis.

The Peruvian athlete beat Jonathan Tremblay from Canada 2-1 in a tough match (6-4, 4-6 and 6-2) during almost two hours of play.

Today, Peru will also compete against Chile and the United States in wheelchair tennis.

The competition schedule also includes the following matches: Mexico vs. Canada, Mexico vs. Colombia, Brazil vs. Argentina, Ecuador vs. Colombia, Guatemala vs. El Salvador, Colombia vs. Brazil, Cuba vs. Venezuela and the United States vs. Venezuela.

At the Parapan American Games, 14 countries and 44 athletes will participate in wheelchair tennis events.

If you live in any of the districts of the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games venues, this is your chance to experience this multi-sport celebration by purchasing tickets for the competitions at PEN 5.

You just need to go with your ID to the tickets points of sale at the venues located located in El Callao, Villa El Salvador, Villa María del Triunfo, San Luis, San Miguel, Santiago de Surco and Jesus María.

“This benefit is personal. A person can only purchase one ticket at this special price”, mentioned Hector Ramos, representative of tickets sales in Lima 2019.

AVAILABLE TICKETS

The Lima 2019 Parapan American Games spokesperson mentioned there were tickets available for the sessions of the different sport disciplines and called everybody not to wait until the last minute to purchase tickets.

Just as the Pan American Games, the tickets for Lima 2019 Parapan American Games  competitions can be purchased at the points of sale at 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 may also purchase the tickets on the Lima 2019 website. www.lima2019.pe. Or on the Teleticket website: https://teleticket.com.pe/lima2019.

“Tickets prices range from PEN 10 with 50% off for under 18-years-old, people with impairments and senior citizens over 60 years old”, reminded Hector G. Ramos.

Some years ago, he would compete at local championships in his hometown, Rengo. He started playing with able-bodied people and beat them easily. At the age of 13, his father was advised to go to Santiago, the capital of Chile since there were tournaments for people with impairment.

That’s how he started his career. Now, Matías Pino seeks to defend his title in Para table tennis at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games and even though he has gone through a difficult path, he is used to overcome all obstacles.

“My goal will always be to defend the Pan American title and I’m sure that I will make it. One defeat does not mean that I will lose the war,” Matías pointed out after losing to the American Ian Seidenfeld in class 6.

The Sports Center 3 bursted into chants of Chi... Chi... Chi.. le…le… le. There were 13 people cheering Matías name. His family was there, parents, sister and uncles, they all came from Rengo to see him play as they did at the Olympic Games in Rio, where he ranked among the top 10 players.

“So proud, my chest is pumped up because my family is there supporting me each point and every set. I have to thank them for coming here to see me play, this is a lesson for many people that the sport is a lifestyle in every aspect,” Matías stated, fan of the German Timo Boll, number one in table tennis world ranking in 2018. Table tennis was the sport that opened the Para Pan American Games at Lima 2019. 

His start in sports, challenges and passion

“He’s always been into sports. We used to tell them, if you want to go for it, we do it. He would fall down and get back up. We’ve always taught him that he should fend for himself, because he needed to know that he could get back up,” his father José Pino added.

Eventually, he discovered table tennis, first at home and then playing with regular players, as we didn’t know the Paralympic world until we got to compete in a tournament in Santiago and he ended up taking the third place. His current coach, Francisco Carrasco, saw his skills and took to boosting them,” his father added.

Renzo traveled nearly two hours back and forth by car from Rengo to Santiago and competitions took place even outside of Chile. At the beginning, they were in debt to afford the tickets to go to tournaments and little by little, “he started believing,” his father said.

“He’s always been very professional. He missed his graduation party because he was training, setting himself up for Toronto and at the age of 17, he was crowned as the youngest Para athlete in class 6, a surprise for everyone, his father stressed.

Nowadays, it is different because he has support and recognition. “He often goes to the most important tours of the circuit and works with a good team, allowing him to climb in the world Ranking and even among the best 11 of the world. I just don’t picture my son being someone else, he’s living his passion and I’m proud of him because he’s a real example to the world,” his father pointed out.

With his eyes set on the gold medal, Matías remarked that Lima 2019 “is so important because I strengthened my image competing at the Pan American Games.”

Para table tennis for Matías means much more than a sport. “It’s part of my life since I was 13 years old and the results speak for themselves. It’s what I do every day and what I do for a living,” he concluded.

Para table tennis takes place in the Sports Center 3 at the National Sports Village (VIDENA) and will end on August 27. If you want to enjoy seeing this Pan American athlete defend his title, get your tickets on the official websitewww.lima2019.peand at the authorized points of sale.

A total of 442 children and teenagers with an impairment or in state of vulnerability enjoyed the opening ceremony of the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games thanks to the free tickets gifted by the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee.

People from 13 different institutions have benefited from free tickets. Among them are: children from Asociación de Distrofía Muscular, Teletón, CEBE San Francisco de Asís, Inabif, CAR San Francisco, Niño Jesús de Praga-Ancón, CAR San Miguel Arcángel, Municipality of San Luis, Omaped, Casa albergue Manthoc, Centro Integral del adulto mayor, Programa Vaso de Leche and Colectivo 21.

Colectivo 21 is a non-profit organization, which works to improve people’s quality of life with Down syndrome. One of its projects is “Empate Fútbol Club,” a free sports school for people with Down syndrome.

The members of this group are from 15 to 33 years old and represented Peru a few months ago, in the second World Futsal Championships, held in Brazil (Futsal is a variation of football played by five people on a small court). They arrived at the National Stadium dressed in their national team jackets, full of enthusiasm.

“We are so excited...This is a major event that shows not only people with an impairment, but also their skills to succeed. It’s their time. We think that these Games are going to open minds and spaces,” said Gissely Alvarado, Colectivo 21 vice president.

Lima 2019 free tickets

The Free Tickets program, implemented by Lima 2019, has already benefited six thousand people during the Pan American Games and aims to double the number so more children can enjoy sports competitions.

“As part of this initiative, per each ticket bought by private schools, the organization commits to benefit mostly children and teenagers in state of vulnerability from a free ticket. Therefore, we are coordinating with many institutions and non-profit organizations,” said Héctor Ramos, Lima 2019 Ticketing manager.

This way, the Games Organizing Committee seeks to gather everyone at this sporting event promoting the Paralympic values (courage, determination, inspiration and equality) and lets everyone know the skills of the participating Para athletes.

Photo Gallery (click here)

When the passion for football surpasses the limits of physical impairment, you can watch a sport that can move any spectator. The beginning of football-7-a-side, an adaptation of the most popular sport for people with cerebral palsy, amazed everyone at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center.

While Peru’s debut was not encouraging, as it lost 10-0 to Brazil, the current two-time Parapan American champion, the highlight was that fans crowded the stands of the rugby stadium (where football-7-a-side is held) to celebrate these amazing Para athletes’ performances with a standing ovation. The “Canarinhos” dominated the game from start to finish, making clear their supremacy in the continent.

The Peruvian supporters, “La Blanquirroja”, encouraged the Peruvian national team, accompanied by Teletón volunteers and Pan American champion Kevin Martínez. The latter followed the player Jesús Díaz with special attention as he will also be part of the Teletón, a national solidarity campaign, that will take place on December 8 and 9.

“We are happy with fans supporting us and encouraging us to keep going, even if the score is not with us. It is very nice to face a team with an impressive record and that placed third in the World Cup. I’m very happy with all that love,” said Jesús Díaz.

Brazilian top scorer Jefferson Cardoso also said: “It is an honor for us to have played in this field and with such a beautiful crowd. Only those who are on the field know the emotion you feel when you are encouraged to surpass yourself every day. God blessed us to win today and begin our journey to the gold medal.”

Action will resume tomorrow at Villa María del Triunfo and Peru will face (09:30) Colombia at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center. The event has a round-robin format (six teams in total) in which the two best teams will fight for the gold on August 31.

SUPPORT YOUR TEAM FROM THE STANDS

If you want to be part of this wonderful event, tickets will be available at the ticket booths of the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center and at the 11 authorized points of sale in the city. There will be a 50 % discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment.

You can also purchase them online, at the website lima2019.pe/tickets, where the competition schedules are detailed. 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.

The spectacular Lima 2019 Parapan American Games opening ceremony made people cry with excitement and sing with joy welcoming 1890 athletes who will compete in 17 sports and 18 disciplines.

The President of Peru, Martin Vizcarra attended the opening ceremony at the National Stadium where 33 delegations paraded.

Before the Para athletes from different countries entered the field, the totem on the stage turned into a tree as a symbol of biodiversity in Peru. Dancers dressed up as flowers from all regions of Peru danced around the three.

The event gathered more than 30 000 spectators who witnessed the impressive performance from 500 artists, out of which 50 had some type of impairment

The choreography started with a town representation inspired in the pre-inca times, members of imaginary Peruvian civilization symbolizing the past of Peru.  The performance had some scenes called: Symbiosis, Maze Chaos, Hope, Horizon and Victory

In the pre-inca town representation participated 60 adults and 8 children, out of which 11 adults and 3 children had some type of impairment.

The main characters of the history were two children who are reunited after a long time and that, as adults, reached the top.

After the presentation, the President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus delivered the opening speech where he said that having the Parapan American Games was a milestone in the history of Peru.

The President of the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC), Julio César Ávila, thanked the Peruvian people for the organization of the Lima 2019 Games gathering many countries of the continent.

The President of Peru, Martin Vizcarra, delivered the speech welcoming all the delegations participating in the most important event in the continent which goes from August 22 to September 1.

A Para athlete bearing the torch lighted the cauldron shaped like a Peruvian representation of the sun before the fireworks.

The event finished with a performance from Bareto whose version of the cumbia “cariñito” has become the anthem of Lima 2019. The song has been played in all sports venues and in the rehearsals with volunteers.

The thousands of people who attended the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games Opening Ceremony fell for the sounds, catchy lyrics and rhythm offered by well-known Peruvian alternative tropical band, Bareto. They were the closing act at the sports celebration held at the National Stadium.

They brought an evening full of light, emotion and sensations to a wonderful end. As the much-loved Peruvian band took to the stage on the National Stadium field, the entire crowd went wild, especially when the band began to play the first chords of their song, “Quiero amanecer”.

Another hit came in the popular song, “Ya se ha muerto mi abuelo”. The excitement reached top level when they started playing “No juegues con el diablo” set to a unique instrument combination.

No other song but “Cariñito”, regarded as a Lima 2019 anthem, could end the band’s powerful performance, ending a spectacular and colorful Parapan American Games Opening Ceremony.

As the members of Bareto had requested in a video posted on social media, the spectators lived up to their reputation as the “world’s best fanbase” and the Americas’ best hosts. This is what the Para athletes who paraded during the opening ceremony felt while enjoying the impressive musical closing.

“We’re very happy to be part of this sports celebration that will bring Peru and the continent together. Let’s celebrate Lima 2019. The party goes on. Let’s all play,” they said on that occasion.

Bareto is one of the most successful Peruvian bands in recent times. They have taken their peculiar mix of cumbia, ska, reggae, rock and merengue around the world. They released “Impredecible” in 2015, an album of original songs produced by Colombian Felipe Álvarez, on World Village for the USA and Europe, and on Polen Records for Latin America.

The band recently took part in Culturaymi, the Games’ cultural fest held at Parque de la Exposición, with a rapturous reaction from their audience.

Welcomed with the applause of an excited audience, Jimmy Eulert—considered Peru’s greatest-ever Para athlete—had the privilege of lighting the Parapan American Cauldron, placed in the middle of the National Stadium field for this multi-sports celebration.

This was a fitting homage to the most successful Peruvian Para swimmer ever at the Paralympic Games, also a winner at the Parapan American Games. While sitting in his wheelchair, Eulert carried the Torch up to the totem on whose top was the cauldron. The Flame will remain lit until September 1, day of the Lima 2019 Games Closing Ceremony.

Throughout his successful sports career, Jimmy Eulert won five Paralympic medals, making him the most decorated Para athlete in the main Paralympic competition. He clinched a gold medal in the 50m freestyle at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games. Later, at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, he also won gold in 50m freestyle, plus a silver medal in 50m backstroke. At Athens 2004, Eulert took home two bronze medals (50m freestyle and 50m backstroke). 

His other sports accolades include the gold medal at the Mexico 1975 Parapan American Games in freestyle, while at Halifax 1982 he got the gold (backstroke) and a bronze medal (freestyle). At Aguadillas 1986, he won two golds (freestyle and backstroke), while at Caracas 1990 he earned three medals: another two golds (50m freestyle and 50m backstroke) and one silver (100m freestyle). In addition, he won the gold medal in 50m backstroke at the 1998 World Para Swimming Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Jimmy Eulert also earned numerous medals in the current version of the Parapan American Games, beginning at Mexico 1999, when he won two gold medals (in 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke) and one silver medal (100m freestyle). At Mar del Plata 2003, he grabbed two gold medals. Rio 2007 saw him win another gold (100 m freestyle).

Before Jimmy Eulert, three outstanding Para athletes who once made Peru proud received recognition by carrying the Torch. Paralympic medalists Teresa Chiappo and José Gonzales Mugaburu had the privilege of carrying the Flame in the last stretch. Chiappo won the gold medal in Para table tennis and the bronze medal in javelin throw at the Toronto 1976 Paralympic Games.

José Gonzales, who is also Peru’s Chef de Mission for the Games, took part in six Paralympic Games, starting at Heidelberg 1972. At Toronto 1976, he won the bronze medal in 100m backstroke, an achievement that earned him the Sports Laurels decoration.

The other Para athlete who was given recognition was Ica-born Pompilio Falconí, the last Peruvian to earn a medal at the Parapan American Games to date. Falconí won the only medal for Peru at Guadalajara 2011, as he took home the bronze medal in discus throw, F35/F36 category, with a mark of 33.47 meters. The three Para athletes carried the torch before relaying it to Eulert for lighting the cauldron.

Meanwhile, the flag of the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) was carried by Efraín Sotacuro, fourth at the Río 2016 Paralympic Games; Alicia Flores, silver and bronze medalist at the Kingston 1971 Paraplegic Pan American Games; Yeni Vargas, participant in the Río 2016 Paralympic Games; Juana Hurtado, who won gold, silver and bronze in Para swimming at the Mexico 1999 Parapan American Games.

They joined María Trujillo, silver medal in Para swimming at the Sao Paulo 2017 Youth Parapan American Games; Israel Hilario, who participated in Para cycling at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games and the Río 2016 Paralympic Games, becoming the world champion in 2015; Óscar Neyra, who competed in Para swimming at the Kingston 1971 Paraplegic Pan American Games; and Augusto Vásquez, gold medalist in Para swimming at the Caracas 1990 Paraplegic Pan American Games.

Javier Soto, Peruvian representative in boccia, took the oath on behalf of all Para athletes. The judges’ oath was taken by Sorei Núñez, Para swimming. Miguel Calmet, coach of the Peruvian Para athletics team, took the oath on behalf of all coaches.

Carlos Neuhaus, president of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee (COPAL), said that “the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games are critical to making important aspects, as inclusion and accessibility, a priority on the national agenda.”

At the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games Opening Ceremony, Neuhaus emphasized that “Let’s all play” is not only a phrase, it is our philosophy. It is our vision of a healthier, happier and more united Peru.”

“But, to achieve this, everyone must have the same opportunities. We must all participate and everyone must benefit. At Lima 2019, let’s all keep playing,” he said and received the applause of the enthusiastic audience gathered at the National Stadium.

Previously, he welcomed the Para athletes from all over the continent and called them heroes for two reasons: “because they have not only overcome the inconveniences of life, but they have the great honor of representing their country.”

He pointed out that the Para athletes represent the values of the Paralympic movement: determination, equality, inspiration and courage. “They seek and find opportunities, solutions, new challenges, but never excuses; they are extraordinary athletes and better people; they are the pride of the Americas and they are ready to give us a great show.”

He said that for the first time Peruvians have the knowledge and necessary facilities to offer the Para athletes first-level Games. He also thanked the authorities, Peruvians and the Lima 2019 team for supporting and joining this great initiative. He also offered special recognition to the volunteers for their hard work and commitment.

Then, he asked the spectators to continue encouraging Para athletes. “To all Peruvians: your athletes need you again, support them by attending competitions, they will not disappoint you. At the Pan American Games, our country won more gold medals than in all previous editions combined. Your support made them faster, stronger and better; above all, they made us proud. With your support, I know that our 139 Para athletes and the Para athletes from the other 32 nations of the continent will leave the high fence again,” he remarked.

Two children stand out from the crowd and move through a labyrinth in a dynamic choreography. The scene represents the beginning of a friendship between the two characters, while the labyrinth symbolizes life itself, with its difficulties and obstacles. Both children help each other to overcome obstacles and strengthen their friendship. 

The story shown at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games opening ceremony is not far from reality. Two children, who have become an example of significant self-improvement and have overcome obstacles themselves, play the leading roles. Piero Guidiche Montes (13) and Jheremy Alejos Pérez (10) are the children who did their best during the rehearsals of this fantastic ceremony. 

Piero Guidiche has cerebral palsy, as a result of swallowing amniotic fluid at birth; however, he is not intimidated by this condition. Very early in the morning, he attends his physical rehabilitation and psychological therapy sessions at the Hogar Clínica San Juan de Dios accompanied by his mother. 

"Piero has been struggling almost since he was born. We've faced difficult moments; not everything has been joy. At age 7, he began to realize what he had, but then he completely came to terms with it," said his mother. 

This little hero plays football, swims and enjoys athletics. He is a very enthusiastic and determined boy who has successfully participated in many sports competitions. Piero says: "Even if there is a difficulty, you can do it. Every day is a new opportunity for me because I know how to stand up.” 

His mother is more than proud and says that his coaches have told her that he has the skills to become a successful athlete. "Nothing Piero ends up doing would surprise me because I know he's going to do it with that great spirit he has.” 

There is another touching story behind the two characters that dazzled the audience on the night of the Parapan American Games opening ceremony: Jheremy Alejos, whose life story is an example. Due to a congenital condition, he has only one leg and uses crutches to move around.  

Jheremy lives in Jicamarca, two hours away from Lima. Every morning, he attends his therapies alone at Hogar Clínica San Juan de Dios. His father cannot go with him because he has to work.  

José is a single father of two boys, Jheremy and Santiago, and is also the only support of his family as a cleaning worker. Three times a week, at 04:00, José takes Jheremy to the bus that will transport him to San Juan de Dios. They are three men who face a hard routine every day.  

"Thanks to Jheremy I have come to understand many things. He’s a very skillful child, very independent. For me, it hasn't been easy to let him move around on his own. My aunt also helped me,” said José. 

The lives of Piero and Jheremy are inspiring. They have starred their own stories on a very special occasion: the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games opening ceremony, which captivated attendees and millions of television viewers who followed it.