At the beginning of the ceremony, the Peruvian flag was carried by the gold medalists of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, surfer Daniella Rosas and fronton player Kevin Martinez.

The traditional parade of the delegations participating in the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games was led by the main representatives of the countries competing in the sixth edition of the event, inaugurated today at the National Stadium.

The Peruvian delegation received the most applause, like at the Pan American Games, led by Para taekwondo fighter Angélica Espinoza. She is one of the main contenders to win medals at the Parapan American Games, which began this past Thursday.

Among the main flagbearers were Gustavo “Gusti” Fernández, first in the wheelchair tennis world ranking and winner of three Grand Slams contested this year, who led the Argentinian team.

The flagbearer for the United States was Katie Holloway, gold medalist in the Rio 2016 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games and silver medalist in London 2012 in sitting volleyball. Costa Rica’s flagbearer was Para swimmer Camila Haase.

Carrying Brazil’s flag was the world’s best goalball player, Leomon Moreno da Silva, who led a delegation that has come to win first place like they did in Rio 2007, Guadalajara 2011 and Toronto 2015.

The flagbearer for Mexico was judoka Eduardo Ávila, who will compete in the 81 kg category. His track record includes a gold medal in the Rio 2007, Guadalajara 2011 and Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, as well as a gold medal in the Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The Colombian leader was Alejandro Perea, one of the best Para cyclists in the world and current world champion. He will compete in the Para cycling track individual time trial and pursuit events and in the Para cycling road sprint and time trial events.

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In the parade, Darwin Castro, an athlete with visual impairment, carried the Ecuadorian flag. He competes in the 1500- and 5000-meter events alongside his guide, Sebastián Rosero, who won the bronze medal in 5000 meters at Toronto 2015.

Chile’s flagbearer was Para swimmer Alberto Abarza, who won the National Sports Award of Chile and has five Parapan American records in 50, 100 and 200 meters freestyle and in 50 and 100 meters backstroke. He is ranked first in the Para swimming World Series.

Para swimmer Javier Hernández is the flagbearer for Puerto Rico, while Para badminton player Raúl Anguiano led the Guatemalan delegation. Akira López, who will compete in 100 meters, was chosen as the leader of the delegation of Nicaragua.

Meanwhile, Para athlete Getrudis Ortega was tasked with leading Panama in the parade.  The Para athletics multi-medalist, Omara Durand, was chosen as flagbearer for Cuba. She is considered the fastest woman in the Paralympic world, surpassing the 12-second barrier in 100 meters.

Additionally, the other flagbearers were Elliott Loonstra from Aruba (Para taekwondo), Sean Cooke from Barbados (Para athletics, Steve Wilson from Bermuda (boccia), Stephanie Chan from Canada (Para table tennis), Herbert Aceituno from El Salvador (Para powerlifting), Gibran Sarfaraz from Guyana (Para table tennis), Lounevie Pierre from Hait (Para athletics), Carlos Velásquez from Honduras (Para athletics).

Finally, the following were also flagbearers: Chadwick Campbell from Jamaica (Para athletics), Melissa Nair Tillner Galeano from Paraguay (Para athletics), José Manuel Abud from the Dominican Republic (Para powerlifting), John Jaldini from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Para swimming), Chivaro Belfort from Suriname (Para athletics), Nyoshia Cain-Claxton from Trinidad and Tobago (Para athletics), Carmelo Milán from Uruguay (Para shooting) and Belkys Mota from Venezuela (Para swimming).

The third competition day at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games will have a series of medal-defining stages in Para athletics, Para table tennis, judo and shooting Para sport, as part of a long multi-sports day.

In Para athletics, the men’s shot put finals will take place at the Athletics Stadium of the National Sports Village (Videna) in San Luis, starting at 15:00. The women's and men’s discus throw finals will be held in this venue as well.

The session will continue with the men's 5000m finals, men's and women's long jump finals, men's 200m finals, men's javelin throw finals, men's 1500m finals, women's 400m and 200m finals, among others.

In judo, medal-deciding bouts will take place in the -60 kg, 66 kg, -90 kg, 100 kg, and +100 kg categories, as well as the women's -52 kg final. The bouts will be held at Videna sports center, starting at 9:00.

A DAY FULL OF PARA SPORTS

Para table tennis will also have a busy day, with events including the men's and women's semifinals. The matches will start at 10:00 at Videna. Meanwhile, the shooting Para sport final of mixed 10m air rifle stand will be held at Las Palmas Shooting Range.

Also, women’s and men’s wheelchair basketball will have a series of preliminary games at Videna, starting at 8:00. Among the most important ones are Group B games in both categories between Peru and Brazil, starting at 18:30 and 20:45, respectively.

A total of six matches are scheduled in football 5-a-side and football 7-a-side. Among them is the preliminary match between Peru and Brazil. The matches will be played in the hockey and rugby field at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center. They will start at 9:30.

The third competition day of the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games will end with preliminary wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis and sitting volleyball matches.

In wheelchair rugby, the most noteworthy matches to be held at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center are United States vs Argentina and Canada vs Brazil, starting at 8:00. In wheelchair tennis, the matches involving Peruvians Ysabelino Apaza, Jesús Mayhua y María Castillo stand out. They will take place at Lawn Tennis Club in Jesus María, starting at 11:00.

As for sitting volleyball, Peru will face off the United States in both women’s and men's events. The women's national team will also play against Canada. These and other preliminary matches will take place at the Callao Regional Sports Village, starting at 8:00.

A few hours before the lavish lighting of the cauldron at the majestic National Stadium, the Parapan American Torch ends its impressive tour though the “City of the Kings” at Parque de las Leyendas, located in the district of San Miguel.

There, the best of the three days was reflected in the spirit of the Games that opened a new chapter in the history of Lima, with the effort and integration of all Peruvians in accordance with the fundamental principles of the Paralympic movement.

The Lima 2019 Organizing Committee President Carlos Neuhaus assured that the spirit of the Games leaves an enduring legacy to Peru, allowing Peruvians to reflect on the challenges that their society must take on in order to offer greater opportunities to people with impairments.

“It has been a titanic effort and finally, we did it because Peruvians and our Para athletes were involved. They are doubly heroes because they overcome their own problems and represent Peru in the biggest Para sports event in the Americas. And we will leave them a country where people with impairments have greater possibilities of showing their potential,” he said with passion to the audience, who gathered in the surroundings of the emblematic zoo of Lima.

In this regard, Neuhaus, who was the penultimate Parapan American torchbearer, also pointed out that the legacy of Lima 2019 will be the future generations of Para athletes. “I want the Games to allow the formation of new Para athletes who become the winners of sports awards and bring glory to Peru,” he stated accompanied by the ovation of the public.

Meanwhile, the mayor of San Miguel, Juan José Guevara, thanked Carlos Neuhaus for being one of the Lima 2019 venues and living a unique experience that has filled all neighbors with joy. He also stressed that the Games reflect everything can be achieved with teamwork in Peru. “When Peruvians join forces and give our best, we achieve great things that serve as an example to the world,” said the mayor.

In this way, the Parapan American Flame ends its impressive route across Lima, bordering the 100 kilometers including approximately 300 relays. This torch relay promotes the Paralympic values to the citizens of Lima and lay the foundations to build a much more inclusive and egalitarian society in which the slogan Let’s all Play! is immortalized.

Héctor Chumpitaz, one of the stars of Peruvian national sports, participated in the final stretch of the Parapan American torch Relay through the streets of Callao.

The acclaimed “Captain of the Americas” and Lima 2019 ambassador shared the spirit of the Games while passing through the Av. Guardia Chalaca, leaving a trail of brotherhood among people of Callao.

In this regard, the Flame was placed at the Daniel Alcides Carrión Hospital, where patients, hospital staff and pedestrians created an atmosphere of celebration with cheering phrases like “let’s go Peru” and “let’s go captain.” In this way, everybody at the hospital celebrated this unforgettable moment of joy for the patients.

Receiving the ovation from the public, Peru’s emblematic defender, impetuously toured a stretch of 200 meters, recalling his magnificent performance on the field of play.

After his participation, he said that he feels honored to carry the Parapan American symbol and contribute to the development of this torch relay before the lighting of the cauldron at the National Stadium and that this sporting event is putting Peru under the spotlight of the Americas.

“I feel a great glory of being able to carry the Torch, just like I did in the Pan American Games. Lima 2019 is a sporting event that is leaving a very important legacy for our youth,” he said effusively.

The captain of the Peruvian national football team, Paolo Guerrero, has always honored his last name. His dedication, determination and courage have made him one of Peru’s most beloved athletes and an example of fighting against adversity.  

With that same conviction, the popular “Depredador” sent a warm message of encouragement to the delegation of 139 Peruvian Para athletes who will represent us at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. 

“Hi, it’s your friend Paolo Guerrero. I’d like to wish great success to all the athletes of the Paralympic Association of Peru,” he stated in a video supporting our delegation, posted on the National Paralympic Association of Peru’s social media. 

It is important to remember that Paolo Guerrero has had an amazing track record in his extensive sports carrier in important clubs in Germany and Brazil, including two German tournament titles, a Club World Cup, a German Cup, a Recopa Sudamericana and a Brasileirao. To see the Peruvian captain’s message, click on this link: https://n9.cl/les0. 

They have not only been recognized nationally and internationally because of their kindness and great work ethic. The volunteers of Lima 2019 are also synonymous with neighborly love in extreme situations.

One of those difficult situations occurred at the Uniform and Accreditation Center (UAC) located in Jockey Club, Santiago de Surco, last Sunday at 12:30, when the volunteers were having lunch in the dining hall.

All of the sudden, the volunteer named Manuel Esteban Carruitero Gonzales (51) started to show signs of choking. The volunteer Gustavo Adolfo Espejo Alvarado (41) reacted quickly and preformed first-aid techniques on his friend in order to help him.

Gustavo’s timely intervention allowed Manuel to expel the piece of meat he was choking on. This story, that could have had a tragic ending, had a happy one thanks to the courage and determination of a Lima 2019 volunteer.

Manuel Carruitero, an economist by profession, was thankful for Gustavo’s help, because thanks to his opportune intervention he was able to come out okay from a life-threatening situation and can now continue his work as a volunteer.

“Everything turned out okay because we work as a team and we help each other in this once-in-a-lifetime experience as volunteers,” said Manuel who has been working since June 10 at the UAC.

According to Gustavo Espejo, who studied Political Science at the National University of San Marcos and is now studying a Law at the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, it was important to perform the Heimlich Maneuver quickly and properly. This technique is used to dislodge food stuck in a person’s throat. Gustavo had learnt it theoretically, but it was his first time performing it in real life.

When he saw his fellow volunteer required assistance he did not hesitate to help him; he knew that every second was vital for his well-being.

They are now more united than ever and happy to have made history as part of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games.

The head of the Lima 2019 Volunteer Office, Angela Morales, highlighted the importance of Gustavo Espejo’s life-saving actions, which should serve as an inspiration to others.

“We’re proud to participate in the same program. Let’s not let our guard down, let’s keep on working our hardest,” she said.

WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION

The Lima 2019 Organizing Committee recognized this courageous action and, through Gustavo Espejo Alvarado, recognized the thousands of volunteers who have contributed to the Lima 2019 Pan American Games having been described as the best Games in history by Panam Sports. This distinction will be reaffirmed in the upcoming days during the Parapan American Games.

In addition to his commendable action, Gustavo Espejo Alvarado was recognized for his outstanding work as a volunteer at the Uniform and Accreditation Center.

Within approximately 30 minutes of the match, the Para table tennis player from Chile defeated Colombian Nelly Sánchez in three consecutive sets, thus receiving the first gold medal of Lima 2019 and directly qualifying for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

“This is an honor for me. I dreamed of it so many times... Winning a medal here and qualifying for Tokyo 2020 is a dream come true. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so excited. I’m overjoyed,” said the champion.

Leonelli, fifteenth in the world ranking of this sport, who won the bronze medal at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, competed in Para table tennis class 5 (wheelchair, with regular torso muscle functions). Tomorrow, she will receive the first Parapan American Games medal.

“It’s wonderful. It’s never happened to me before and I hope it gives all the other athletes an extra boost, motivates them and lets them know that it really is possible. I’m so proud to have won the first medal of the Games for Chile.”

The result in each set against the Colombian player was 11-7, 11-3 and 12-10, with advantage for Tamara who, in previous rounds, faced off with the Brazilian and Argentinian representatives who also lost to her, 3-0 and 3-2, respectively.

“I think it’s been a very tough competition, obviously the level of the championship makes it even more difficult. But I’m just the visible face of everyone's effort. No one imagines how many people are helping behind the scenes. No only behind this stage, also life’s stage.”

Team Chile present on the podium

Cristian González from Chile has also secured another medal for his country in men’s class 4 by defeating El Salvador’s Gabriel Espinoza 3-0 and Brazilian Ecildo Oliveira 3-1, ensuring his spot in the semifinals. The gold medal may be around the corner: the final will be played tomorrow.

“I think that, broadly speaking, we’ve been improving a lot as a team. Chile is establishing itself in American Para table tennis, as well as European. We all try to win and show that we can do it because we have a good level of competition; the Americas in general does,” said Leonelli.

In the Parapan American Games, a total of 617 gold medals and silver medals will be awarded, in addition to 679 bronze medals, making it a total of 1913 to be distributed during this international event.

Para table tennis is being held at Sports Center 3 of the National Sports Village (VIDENA) and will end on August 27.

In the middle of a great excitement, the world surfing champion, Sofia Mulanovich, started the final route of the Parapan American Torch relay, that had its starting point at the Callao Rehabilitation Hospital.

The renowned Peruvian athlete toured the surroundings of this hospital, located in the Constitutional Province of Callao, carrying a message of brotherhood and integration to the patients, who were also happy for the Parapan American Games.

The Olympic medalist gripped the spirit of the Games and shared the values of Para sports to people with impairments in this health care center, who gathered to welcome the Parapan American caravan. The surfer smiled and exclaimed Let’s all play!, a message that was received with emotion by the patients.

Additionally, “La Reina” stressed that she feels honored to be the bearer of the emblem of Para sports, which is creating an atmosphere of unity among all Peruvians, based on the Paralympic values.

“I am very proud to be part of the Parapan American torch relay. Para sports should be a source of inspiration for all Peruvians, so we must get united and go to the sports venues to support our compatriots who are giving their best while representing us,” she stressed with enthusiasm.

After a route of 200 meters, the winner of the Peruvian Sports Laurels with the Grand Cross mention passed the torch to the famous radio host Gina Parker.

“The Games allow the society to raise awareness about having equal opportunities in life. Para athletes teach us that everything can be achieved with teamwork and perseverance in this beautiful country,” she said while the crowd was cheering.

The day is not yet over and the Flame that embodies Paralympic values has brought people in Callao together, in common areas. The legacy will be the foundation to build a more inclusive and tolerant society, with equal opportunities for all Peruvians.

There is nothing more gratifying for Lima 2019 Para athletes than competing on a stage where there is constant cheering. This morning, the Callao Sports Center provided that human warmth to the best sitting volleyball players of the continent, who expressed their gratitude with a big applause. In this festive setting, the first phase of the Parapan American Games sitting volleyball competition began.

Although the Peruvian debut was not encouraging, as they lost 3-0 to the three-time champion, Brazil, this type of international experience adds up. It is important to keep in mind that this is the first time the Peruvian teams participate in this type of competition.

“We competed against the best team of the continent, which has players who have been in three Olympic cycles. They practice the sport full time, while we have only been training seven months for this event. However, we enjoyed it because the support of the crowd was amazing and that motivates us for what’s coming next,” said the team captain, Bruno Quiros.

On his part, Brazil’s star player, Daniel Lima (world runner-up and three-time Parapan American Games champion), stated he was moved by the Peruvian fans’ support. “We applauded the fans because, for a Para athlete, this means a lot. I still remember that when I started my cycle with Brazil, at the Rio 2007 Parapan American Games, we didn’t have any fans. This will help Peruvian volleyball,” he pointed out.

The Peruvian men’s team will play two matches tomorrow: first against the United States at 10:00 and then against Canada at 15:00. The women’s team will debut against the United States from 19:00. The tournament has a round-robin format and the top four teams will advance to the semifinals. Then, the two winning teams of the semifinals will compete for the gold medal on August 28.

BUY YOUR TICKETS

Tickets to see the two Peruvian sitting volleyball teams in action start at PEN 10 and there will be a 50% discount for people under the age of 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket office at VIDENA, gate 1, and at the 11 Teleticket counters.

Tickets can also be purchased online, on the official website lima2019.pe/tickets, where you can find the detailed competition schedule. In the case of e-tickets, printing will not be necessary, as the spectator can show their e-ticket on their mobile phones at the venue’s entrance.

At the end of the second day of its tour, the Parapan American torch lit up one of Lima's ancestral places: Huaca Mateo Salado, located in Pueblo Libre, a historic district both in pre-Hispanic and Republican times.

To arrive at that point on its last stretch, the Parapan American Torch used a parallel route to what in ancient times was known as the Qhapaq Ñan: the road that connected this administrative center to the Maranga center.

The closing ceremony of the torch relay featured President of Lima 2019 organizing committee Carlos Neuhaus, Mayor of Lima Jorge Muñoz, Mayor of Pueblo Libre Stephen Yuri Haas, the Director of the Ministry of Culture’s Proyecto Integral "Mateo Salado del Qhapaq Ñan" Patricia Manrique Orillo, and Pedro Pablo de Vinatea, Para badminton athlete who was the torchbearer in the last stretch, lighting the cauldron located in the huaca.

Surrounded by the cheering voices and applause, the speeches given on the stage located at the foothills of the archaeological complex were translated into sign language for the audience.

“The most exciting part was this last corner, the last 100 meters, where you made me feel like a champion already. Probably, many Peruvians have never come into contact with Para sports before and I want to encourage you to do it because it's not only exciting to watch Peruvians compete, but also a huge source of inspiration for everybody,” said De Vinatea.

After lighting the cauldron, the flame was put in a golden lantern which will be used tomorrow to light the main cauldron during the Games Opening Ceremony.

“Thank you so much for being here. One day I'll come here and tour this amazing huaca, it is worth it. Let’s promote it intensively so it becomes one of the landmarks of our capital and a must for every tourist visiting our country,” stated Neuhaus.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Lima, who had received the Parapan American torch at the Plaza Mayor of Lima just hours before, talked about the present instead, emphasizing that Lima 2019 has written an important chapter in the contemporary history of Peru.

“What we are living is a special historic event. Today, it was my turn to carry the Parapan American torch and you cannot imagine the joy of the people and the children. The Parapan American Games have a very important meaning due to the participation of persons with an impairment. That alone makes them worthy of a special place.”